The United States was attacked on September 11, 2001 when terrorists flew commercial airplanes into the World Trade Center buildings and the Pentagon. The initial response to those attacks was called Operation Noble Eagle. The U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH) holds oral histories about the 9-11 attacks that were conducted sometimes just days after September 11, 2001.

The abstracts below were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request first filed in 2017. Note the abbreviations below: “Trans” = transcribed; “Edited”;”AA” access agreement; “Digit” = digitized version of tape

LTC Wills was a victim of the attack. She received burns on her face and arms from the fire. She describes her escape from the E-ring conference room in ODCSPER near where the plane impacted.

Abstract: LTC Wills was a victim of the attack. She received burns on her face and arms from the fire. She describes her escape from the E-ring conference room in ODCSPER near where the plane impacted. She was in a staff meeting in a room on the second floor of the E ring when “everything collapsed and exploded on us.” She remembers the six people in the room crawling on the floor toward a window that they had to break out. She pushed one woman out the window and to safety. She had just looked at her watch before speaking at the meeting and it was 9:36 a.m. She was evacuated in a cart from to an ambulance that took her to the Virginia Hospital Center. Mr. Kirk Wills, her husband, describes how he heard about the attack on the Pentagon, was notified by the hospital that his wife had been admitted, and the VIPs who had visited her.

NEIT – 002: Dalisy Olaes, ODCSPER, 9/13/01 (Hirrel, Shirer) T

Ms. Olaes was a victim of the attack and broke a leg escaping from the Pentagon. She describes her escape from the ODCSPER office area and her rescue by SPC Petrovich (see NEIT – 008, 312, & 469).

Abstract: Mrs. Olaes was a victim of the attack and broke a leg escaping from the Pentagon. She describes her escape from the ODCSPER office area and her rescue by SPC Michel Petrovich (see NEIT-008, 312, and 469). She had just heard the news about the World Trade Center when the explosion occurred. The room immediately filled with smoke and she could not see in the darkness. She heard shouts to drop to the floor and crawl toward the windows. SPC Petrovich found her and led her to the windows between the D and E rings, where he and LTC Marilyn Wills (NEIT-001) pushed her out the second floor window. She broke her leg in the fall. She was carried to the courtyard for initial treatment and then to an ambulance that took her to the Virginia Hospital Center. Personnel from the hospital notified her husband, who works at the Navy Annex, about her condition before she went into surgery for her broken leg. Her daughter, who is in school in Richmond, VA, describes her reaction to the attack and learning about her mother’s condition.

NEIT – 003: Sheila Moody, ODCSPER, 9/13/01 (Shirer) T/R, “Digit”

Ms. Moody was a victim of the attack and suffered burns to her face, head, and arms. She describes her rescue from her burning office by SSG Braman.

Abstract: Ms. Moody was a victim of the attack and suffered burns to her face, head, and arms. She describes her rescue from her burning office by SSG Braman. Ms. Moody had recently reported to work for Resource Services – Washington, Office of the Administrative Assistant. She was in Pentagon Room 1E462 on the morning of 11 September. She was at her desk when she heard about the attack on the World Trade Center. Ten seconds later she heard a whistling sound, followed by a rumble. She was engulfed in a fireball, which left her burned on her face, arms, and hands. In the dark, smoke-filled room, she responded to a man’s call “Is anybody in there?” by clapping her hands. SSG Braman, whom she initially thought was a CPL Burns, extinguished the fire between them and led her out of the room. He then returned to get another person whose desk was behind Ms. Moody’s. Ms. Moody was evacuated to the hospital within minutes after she arrived at the triage center in the Pentagon parking lot. Her wounds were treated at the Virginia Hospital Center emergency room. Hospital personnel contacted her husband in New York State to inform him of her condition. The Army had already expedited paperwork to get her family temporary housing in the Washington, DC area, because she had just begun work here a week earlier.

NEIT – 004: Janice Jackson, IMCEN, 9/19/01 (Shirer) T/R

Ms. Jackson was a victim of the attack. She received burns to her head, face, and arms. She describes her rescue by Mr. Sherman Fluke and evacuation from the Pentagon, as well as her hospitalization.

Abstract: Ms. Jackson was a victim of the attack. She received burns to head, face, and arms. She describes her rescue by Mr. Sherman Fluke and evacuation from the Pentagon, as well as her hospitalization. She was at her desk in room 1D520 when she heard a loud explosion, felt a shock wave and then saw a fireball come through her first floor office area. Mr. Sherman Fluke, a co-worker, saw that her hair was on fire and put it out, her hands and face were also burned. She remembers hearing a baby crying and realized that she had been pushed into another area of the office by the shock wave. She recalls thick smoke and people yelling “come this way” to get survivors to a hole in the wall. She describes pulling Raquel Kelley from the rubble. She received initial treatment in the triage area and was evacuated twenty minutes later to the Arlington Hospital emergency room. After three days treatment in the Arlington Hospital Intensive Care Unit for her burns, she was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She credits her military training in helping her to remain calm and to not give up in getting out of the building. She is a sergeant (E-5) in the 55th Maintenance and Materials Center (USAR) at Ft. Belvoir, VA.

NEIT – 005: Paul Harning, Fort Myer/Pentagram, 9/19/01 (Hirrel) T

Mr. Harning arrived at the Pentagon shortly after the attack. He discusses photographing the damage to the exterior of the Pentagon on 11 September and witnessing the collapse of the E-ring.

Abstract: This is an interview with Paul Harning, a photographer from the Pentagram, which was the newspaper of the Ft. Myer Military Community. He describes how he was in his office at the Ft. Myer headquarters building on the morning of 11 September, when he learned of the attack upon the World Trade Center. Moments later they learned of the attack upon the Pentagon and Dennis Ryan, another reporter, insisted that they should go to the scene and cover the story. After getting some film, the two set out by car, but were stopped because of traffic about one half mile from the location, so they continued on foot. Shortly after their arrival they witnessed the collapse of the damaged section of the Pentagon, and he managed to get a photograph of the building before its collapse. Because of reports that another aircraft was headed towards the Pentagon all the personnel were forced to pull away, and Mr. Harning found an overview under a bridge. At that time he witnessed the arrival of an F-16 fighter jet to provide air cover for the area. He then continued to move about he area and to take photographs until the early afternoon. He describes the chaos and the confusion surrounding the event. About 1300 he returned to the Pentagram office at Ft. Myer.

NEIT – 006: Dennis Ryan, Fort Myer/Pentagram, 9/19/01 (Hirrel) T

Mr. Ryan describes what he witnessed outside the Pentagon after he arrived there from Fort Myer. He was not at the Pentagon at the time of the attack.

Abstract: Mr. Ryan describes what he witnessed outside the Pentagon after he arrived there from Fort Myer. He was not at the Pentagon at the time of the attack. He was in the Ft. Myer Public Affairs office when he heard about the attack on the Pentagon. He and Paul Herring (NEIT-005) departed immediately to the scene. He describes the smoke billowing from the building, people fleeing to safety, and his initial interviews about what happened. He photographed the E ring’s collapse at 10:10 a.m. He also took photographs of the building. His photographs and article “Where is Safe?” were published in the September 14, 2001 edition of The Pentagram.

NEIT – 007: MAJ John L. Thurman, ODCSPER, 9/19/01 (Shirer) T/R

LTC Thurman describes his escape from the Pentagon after the plane struck. He suffered from smoke inhalation while leading co-workers out of the ODCSPER office area. He also covers his later medical treatment.

Abstract: LTC Thurman describes his escape from the Pentagon after the airplane struck. He suffered from smoke inhalation while leading co-workers out of the ODCSPER office area. He also covers his later medical treatment. He was sitting at his desk in room 2D450, when he felt the building shake and thought it was an earthquake or a bomb planted in the newly renovated portion of the Pentagon. The plane’s impact sent a shock wave through the office bay that shifted furniture and overturned wall lockers and filing cabinets. Next came a sheet of flame flashing through the area. Finally, a thick cloud of smoke filled the room. He crawled out from under his desk and heard the cries for help of his co-workers, CW5 William Ruth and LTC Karen Wagner. He moved down the aisle to their area and began moving the wall lockers that had fallen on them. He told them to follow him, crawling on the floor, toward the nearest exit that was a few feet away. That door was blistering hot and could not be opened. He led them back through the maze of cubicles, over turned furniture, and collapsed portions of the false ceiling. Shortly after heading on the new route he stopped hearing CW5 Ruth, who had been coughing badly. He kept talking to LTC Wagner to keep her going and to insure that she was still behind him. When she stopped responding, he turned around and went back to find her. He found her but she was barely breathing. He tried pulling her with him but did not have the strength or do so. He decided to find the exit and bring back help to get her out. He finally found an exit to the un-renovated portion of the Pentagon on the fifth corridor. He staggered out of it and yelled for help. Several men responded and began to carry him out. He told them that his co-workers were still inside and that they needed save them first. Unfortunately the smoke and fire prevented them from re-entering the office bay to search for Ruth and Wagner. He was evacuated from the area, and nearly died from the smoke he inhaled.

SPC Petrovich suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation in the attack. He describes his pulling co-workers out of the rubble of the office, leading them through the smoke-filled room to the windows and lowering them outside to rescue workers.

Abstract: He was sitting at his desk in room 2E447, when the American Airlines passenger jet crashed into the Pentagon on the opposite side of the E-Ring corridor from his office area. As he dove under his desk, the false ceiling collapsed and a fireball ripped through the office area. His first actions were to call out to his co-workers to get down on the floor where there was oxygen and to check on his co-worker Mrs. Dalisay Olaes (NEIT-002). He found her and had her grab hold of his belt so that he could lead her out of the dark, smoke-filled room. The first exit he found was blocked by fire so he started for another exit that was fifty to eighty meters away, on the other side of the office bay. He heard other people yelling and running through the smoke and called out to them to get down on the floor where they could breathe. Halfway to the exit he felt the sprinklers working and told Mrs. Olaes to splash water on her face from the puddles on the floor, and to keep hold of his belt. He finally saw a dim light in the distance and started crawling toward it. He had found the recently installed shatterproof security windows and potential safety. By this time Ms. Lois Webb was following him to the windows. He discovered that the window was warped in its frame and impossible to open. He grabbed a laser printer and began beating on the window. After the window was forced open enough to get a person out of it, he began having the people who had gathered there jump out of it to the ground thirty feet below. Mrs. Olaes did not want to jump, but he made her do it. He then left after the others were out. Mrs. Olaes credits SPC Petrovich with being her savior and the only reason she is alive; he merely states that he was “taking care of my troops” as he had been taught.

NEIT – 009: LTC Marion Ward, ODCSPER, 9/24/01 (Shirer) T/R

LTC Ward received burns to his body and suffered severe smoke inhalation in the attack. He describes his escape from the conference room he was in that was near the impact point of the airplane.

Abstract: LTC Ward suffered severe smoke inhalation in the attack. He describes his escape from the conference room he was in that was near the impact point of the airplane. He was attending a meeting with ten or twelve people in the ODCSPER Conference Room, 2D467, on the morning of 11 September when he heard a loud boom and the room’s ceiling collapsed. Fire entered the room from the ceiling. He had not heard about the attack on the World Trade Center and thought a gas line had exploded. A human chain was formed and the people crawled from the room on the edge of the D-ring to the C-ring, where they jumped from the second floor the building after battering out a window. The journey took eight to ten minutes. Three people sitting directly across the table from him did not survive, he does not know if they were killed by the falling ceiling or broke off of the human chain and succumbed. He was carried to the triage area and treated by the Air Force Surgeon General. He was evacuated by ambulance to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) within twenty minutes of arriving at the triage point. He describes his excellent treatment at WRAMC and how they contacted his wife and let her stay with him during his hospitalization. He suffered severe smoke inhalation from the explosion and a sprained knee, ankle, and shin from jumping to safety.

NEIT – 010: Gabrielle Ward (spouse of 009), 9/24/01 (Shirer) T

The wife of LTC Ward (NEIT – 009), Mrs. Ward describes receiving notification of her husband’s injuries and his hospitalization.

Abstract: Mrs. Ward, the wife of LTC Ward (NEIT-009), describes receiving notification of her husband’s injuries and his hospitalization. She was at work when she heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. She knew that her husband was in a meeting and that his office was in the area hit by the airplane. When went home at 12:10 p.m. she heard a telephone message stating that her husband was injured, but in stable condition and was being taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). LTC Ward called her on her cell phone while she was driving to WRAMC and told her that he was not burned. The hospital provided her a sleeper chair so she could stay in his room for the thirty-six hours he was there. She said that doctors, nurses, and chaplains constantly checked on his condition.

NEIT – 011: SGT Brian Healy, Co. C, 3d Inf, 9/25/01 (Lofgren) T, AA

SGT Healy describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon.

NEIT – 012: SGM Steven Stokes, Co. C, 3d Inf, 9/25/01 (Lofgren) T

SGM Stokes describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon. He goes into some detail about the command and leadership challenges involved in the initial response and, in particular, the physical and emotional demands of subsequent rescue and recovery operations when the soldiers removed victim remains from the building.

NEIT – 013: SGT Robert Farrar, Co. C, 3d Inf, 9/25/01 (Villard) T

Sgt Farrar describes performing interior security in the Pentagon and assisting in the recovery effort for human remains. He talks about the emotional impact the recovery effort exacted from his fellow soldiers.

ABSTRACT: SGT Farrar was in his barracks when he heard about the World Trade Center attack. He heard a lot of rumors including that the White House and State Department had been attacked. He went to the Pentagon on the afternoon of the 11th. He smelled the burning smoke long before he saw the building. He tried to joke around with his men to keep their spirits up. He worked on interior security for several hours. He went into the damage zone with the first group to do so on the 12th. The area was very dark and slippery. He found several bodies. He became very depressed when he went home between work shifts. He was proud of his men and no one complained about the work. He was very pleased with the support services. He remembered being scared one particular day when the air warning siren went off.

NEIT – 014: SPC John Myers, Co. C, 3d Inf, 9/25/01 (Villard) T

SPC Myers describes the long hours he and his platoon spent working on the recovery effort at the Pentagon. He mentions how the FBI played an active role in the recovery zone and notes the high degree of inter-agency cooperation between various local, state, and federal authorities.

ABSTRACT: SPC Myers was preparing his uniform when he saw the televised coverage of the World Trade Center attack. He heard and felt the Pentagon plane explosion. He went to the Pentagon on the afternoon of the 11th and helped set up tents. He went into the damage zone on the 12th and was horrified to see the extent of the destruction. He worked 12 hour days. He and the other men would identify any piece of debris that looked like an airplane part so the FBI could collect it. He and the other men would be ordered to leave any area that was thought to be unsafe until the safety engineers would give the green light.

NEIT – 015: PVT Joshua B. Frauman, Co. C, 3d Inf, 9/25/01 (Villard) T

PVT Frauman worked on the recovery effort at the Pentagon and recalls that he and other soldiers initially thought China had been responsible for the attack. He notes the emotional toll the work took on the soldiers and describes the shock of finding human remains.

ABSTRACT: PVT Frauman was getting ready to attend an AA class when he heard about the World Trade Center attack. He heard a lot of rumors going around including that China had perpetrated the attack. He went to the Pentagon (probably in the afternoon on the 12th). He could hardly believe that building had actually been hit. He worked in the damage zone (probably first on the 13th). He and his fellow soldiers were enraged to see the pro-Bin Laden sentiment from the Middle East on television. He remarked that one NCO was on the verge of a nervous breakdown from the stress of the work. He thought the damage zone looked like a layer of hell. Some of his fellow soldiers were nearly in emotional shock from the sight of human remains. He worked at the site for around ten days and felt nearly burnt out at the end. He thought many of the men were not ready to talk to the chaplains and counselors.

NEIT – 016: SPC Matthew R. Gouen, Co. C, 3d Inf, 9/25/01 (Villard) T

SPC Gouen was with the first company from the Old Guard to arrive at the Pentagon on the afternoon of the attack and he describes the chaotic feeling that pervaded the scene. As a radio operator, he helped establish the command and control system for his company as well as participated in the body recovery effort.

ABSTRACT: SPC Gouen was preparing his uniform when he heard about the World Trade Center attack. He heard a rumor that a bomb had gone off at the Pentagon before he learned of the truth. He went to the Pentagon on the afternoon of the 12th. He thought the burning building looked like something out of a movie. He remembered the chaos at the site. He worked at the radio operator for his first sergeant. He went into the damage zone on the 13th or 14th. He found it difficult to distinguish the debris from the human remains. He thought the men helped support one another emotionally. The FBI occasionally halted the work to check for remains or determine structure safety. He was impressed with the efforts of the Red Cross. He thinks that Americans will from now on be more aware of the dangers in the world.

PFC MacBeth was on leave in California on 11 September and did not get back to Ft. Myer until 16 September. He describes his duties of removing debris from the Pentagon and guarding the evidence area in the Pentagon’s North Parking Lot from 17-24 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Kevin MacBeth, Company C, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he was on leave at his parents home in California. Upon learning of the attack on television he tried to return to his unit, but because the airlines were closed he couldn't reach Ft. Myer until the following Sunday. Upon returning to his unit he was assigned to work at the Pentagon. He describes his impressions upon seeing the damage for the first time and his first impression upon entering the damaged portion of the building. He also describes the protective suits and the efforts to promote the morale and welfare of the soldiers working at the Pentagon.

SGT Stevens returned to his unit on 16 September after two weeks leave. He describes his experience searching for body parts, airplane fragments and removing debris from the Pentagon from 17-24 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Derek Stevens, Company C, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he was on leave in Centerville, Virginia. He tried to return to his unit, but he was turned back by the local police. So he remained in Centerville until his leave ended the following Sunday. Upon arriving at his unit he was assigned to clearing debris and looking for evidence and the scene of the Pentagon attack. He describes the working conditions at the Pentagon as well as the protective measures. Protective measures included respirators and Tyvek suits.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Chad Pickering, Company C, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September, his company was conducting PT when news came of the attacks. They changed to their BDU's and remained on standby until that afternoon when they went to the Pentagon. He describes the shock and amazement of the personnel upon first witnessing the destruction in the Pentagon. The interview then turns to the working conditions during the on-going recovery efforts. He also describes the efforts by the Army and non-governmental organizations to promote the morale and welfare of the soldiers.

PFC Chandler describes his reaction to finding human remains in the Pentagon while he was clearing debris. He and his company removed debris from the Pentagon from 12 to 24 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Michael Chandler, Company C. 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He describes how he spent the early morning of 11 September conducting a rehearsal for a ceremony scheduled for later that afternoon. His unit was on a break when news of the Pentagon attack hit, and they immediately organized their uniforms and equipment to be prepared for any mission that might be assigned. That afternoon his company went to the Pentagon parking lot, where they were directed to prevent anyone except fire officials from approaching the scene. He describes his entry into the Pentagon to clear debris or to search for remains, and his reaction upon seeing a portion of a human body. He also describes the protective clothing and equipment, as well as the fast food chains that served meals to the soldiers. The interview concludes with his comments on how all personnel both military and non-military worked long, hard hours without complaining during this crisis.

SGT Kelly provides a brief articulate interview that covers his unit’s experiences on 11 September and subsequently at the Pentagon.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Kevin P. Kelly, Company C, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He first learned of the attacks when one of his soldiers came by and told him of the attacks. The soldiers then secured their equipment and stood by until that afternoon when they went to the Pentagon. During that first evening they were told that they would be going into the Pentagon to recover bodies, but did not do so. He then describes the grueling working conditions as the operation continued. They worked 12 hour shifts, and wore protective clothing that made their work hotter. He describes one scene of a woman crying near the Pentagon as the most memorable scene to him. The interview closes with his comment upon the unity within Company C.

SGT Hurley describes his “entry-control” duties for personnel working in the damaged area of the Pentagon after 12 September.

Abstract: SGT Hurley describes his “entry-control” duties for personnel working in the damaged area of the Pentagon after 12 September. His company worked twelve-hour shifts at the Pentagon doing any mission it was given. His first reaction to seeing the Pentagon was that it was a bad dream. He describes the process for accounting for all personnel who entered and exited the Pentagon “hot zone” where the rescue and recovery work was being performed. He also comments about the groups that provided food and water for all of the workers, the chaplains who were constantly checking the soldiers for stress, and the compliments he and his men received for their work.

PV2 Reynolds describes his duties as a stretcher-bearer removing remains from the Pentagon and performing guard duty at the Pentagon beginning on 12 September.

Abstract: PV2 Reynolds describes his duties as a stretcher-bearer removing remains from the Pentagon and performing guard duty at the Pentagon beginning on 12 September. He was at his off-post residence near Ft. Myer, when he heard an explosion. He turned on the TV and heard about the Pentagon and literally ran back to post because of the jammed roads. He tells about the preparation for moving to the Pentagon and being on standby as a stretcher-bearer until the company returned to Ft. Myer that evening. He describes the progressing of uniforms for working inside the Pentagon from BDUs to wearing a Tyvex protective suit with a full facemask. He alternated between serving as a stretcher-bearer carrying out remains and clearing debris for the first week. He spent the second week assisting the FBI separating airplane parts and office equipment from the debris that had been collected in the Pentagon’s North Parking. He praises the chaplains for continually checking their morale and both the Red Cross and Salvation Army for providing plenty of food, water, and Gatorade.

SPC Corcoran describes his duties as a stretcher-bearer removing remains from the Pentagon and performing guard duty at the temporary morgue in North Parking.

Abstract: SPC Corcoran describes his duties as a stretcher-bearer removing remains from the Pentagon and performing guard duty at the temporary morgue in North Parking. He gives a good description of the protective the rescue and recovery personnel wore and the decontamination procedures when they exited the work area. He compliments the many agencies and companies that provided free food and beverages for all the rescue and recovery personnel. He also addresses the FBI’s role in locating remains inside the building.

NEIT – 025: SPC Benjamin T. Norton, Co. C, 3d Inf, 9/25/01 (Shirer) T

SPC Norton describes his duty as a stretcher-bearer removing remains from the Pentagon and the damage inside the building.

Abstract: SPC Norton describes his duty as a stretcher-bearer removing remains from the Pentagon and the damage inside the building. He gives a clear description of the damage he saw inside the Pentagon, the protective measures taken the workers, and the performance of the MDW Engineer Company and the civilian search and rescue units. He lauds the chaplains for their support and the many civilian agencies and private companies for ensuring that the recovery teams had plenty to eat and drink.

PV2 Zapata describes his duty as a stretcher-bearer removing remains from the Pentagon.

Abstract: PV2 Zapata describes his duty as a stretcher-bearer removing remains from the Pentagon. He was preparing for funeral detail on the morning of the 11th when the plane hitting the Pentagon. He reports that his platoon was the first Old Guard unit to arrive at the Pentagon at 1400 hours. They did not do anything on the 11th because the building was still burning. He returned on the 12th and began assisting the firefighters, paramedics and FBI search for bodies. He describes the protective clothing he wore and the end of shift decontamination procedures. He also discusses the support provided for the recovery personnel at Camp Unity.

Abstract: COL Wakayama discusses his evacuation into the courtyard, from where he tried to search inside the building for victims, and his subsequent establishment of a first-aid and decontamination station outside the Pentagon. He functioned as the liaison with the Red Cross for several days.

NEIT – 028: LTC Richard Howard, DAMO-OD, 9/27/01 (Lofgren) T, “Digit”

LTC Howard was the network manager for the AOC, which was the only Army IT cell left with its assets intact after the attack. He describes the practical challenges he faced and how IMCEN personnel worked 24/7 for three days to get email running for HQDA.

NEIT – 029: 1LT Steven Cunningham, Co. B, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Lofgren) T

1LT Cunningham describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company—and particularly his platoon—at the Pentagon. Early operations included sweeping Arlington Cemetery in conjunction with the Park Police. He notes that Company B did not remove any remains from the PNT.

PFC Litchfield describes his duties guarding the hallways to the damaged area inside the Pentagon, helping the engineers shore up the building, and removing debris from the damaged area.

Abstract: PFC Litchfield describes his duties guarding the hallways to the damaged area inside the Pentagon, helping the engineers shore up the building, and removing debris from the damaged area. His unit’s first mission was assisting the engineers stabilize the damaged area by building supports out of four by four inch beams. His company’s primary effort during its remaining twelve days at the Pentagon was searching through the debris for body parts, carrying the remains to the morgue after the FBI placed the remains in body bags, and moving rubble out of the building. He gives a good description of the protective measures taken to protect the recovery personnel from hazardous materials in the work area. He compliments the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and many private companies that provided food and beverages for the recovery teams. He closes with comments about how he and his fellow soldiers were affected by the recovery work and the help everyone received from the chaplains to cope with their “gruesome mission.”

NEIT – 031: SPC James D. Craft, Co. B, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Shirer) T

SPC Craft describes his duties of guarding the hallways to the damaged area inside the Pentagon and removing debris from the damaged area of the building.

Abstract: SPC Craft describes his duties of guarding the hallways to the damaged area inside the Pentagon and removing debris from the damaged area of the building. He sketches the events at Ft. Myer for the first the first thirty-six hours before he reported to the Pentagon. He discusses his initial reaction to seeing the Pentagon and the support he received from his chain of command and the chaplains to handle his emotions to what he saw. He praises all the people and companies that provided food, drink, and moral support during the recovery effort.

SFC Boatwright saw the plane before it crashed into the Pentagon. He describes his platoon’s duties of guarding the interior hallways of the Pentagon and removing debris, including airplane parts, from the building.

Abstract: SFC Boatwright saw the plane before it crashed into the Pentagon. He describes his platoon’s duties of guarding the interior hallways of the Pentagon and removing debris, including airplane parts, from the building. He explains the company’s platoon rotation schedule for the twelve-hour shifts. He says that the engineers were happy that he and his soldiers “cleared debris in two and a half hours that would have took them twenty-four hours.” He provides a very good explanation of the protective measures taken to safe guard his troops when working inside the building. He stresses the importance of the leadership remaining calm and monitoring the soldier’s physical and emotional condition. He closes with the comment that many of his soldiers are now contributing funds to the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

NEIT – 033: PFC Jason Kovacic, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Villard) T

PFC Kovacic worked on the recovery effort at the Pentagon and describes the safety equipment and procedures he used. He mentions the excellent support services by civilian agencies and private companies.

ABSTRACT: PFC Kovacic was getting ready to conduct riot control training when he learned about the World Trade Center attack. He heard the boom when the plane hit the Pentagon. He went to the Pentagon (probably on the 12th) and participated in debris removal (probably) the day after that. He thought the destruction at the Pentagon was horrific to see. He remarked that the plastic contamination suits were very hot. He thought parts of the building might fall in while they were working inside. He said several other men had suffered emotional trauma from working at the site. He appreciated the generous support provided by aid agencies and restaurants.

NEIT – 034: 1LT Gilbert Muñoz, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Lofgren) T

The XO of Company B [confirm], TOG, 1LT Muñoz describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon.

NEIT –035: PFC John D. Gallagher, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Holien) T/R

PFC Gallagher duties at the Pentagon rotated between controlling access to the damaged area, filling sandbags, clearing debris in the damaged area and carrying timbers for the engineers to construct support columns to replace the destroyed and damaged concrete columns.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC John Gallagher, Company E, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he was at his home in Ft. Belvoir, assisting his wife with an emergency. Upon learning of the Pentagon attack he contacted his company, and then immediately drove back to Ft. Myer. He describes his reaction upon first arriving at the Pentagon on the morning of 12 September, and witnessing all of the ruble and damage. He then describes how they worked to clear debris, or to move shoring material for rescue efforts. He describes the Tyvak protective clothing and the efforts to improve morale and welfare of the soldiers.

NEIT – 036: PFC Robert W. Willis, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Holien) T

PFC Willis describes his experiences recovering bodies, securing the FBI evi T dence collection area, and removing debris from the Pentagon. His first day working at the Pentagon was on 13 or 14 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Robert Willis, from Company E, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He describes his activities on the morning of 11 September, and how his unit learned of the attacks in New York from the radio and television. After the Pentagon attack, his company prepared for some duties but they remained in their barracks on recall for the rest of the day. Later he describes how his unit went to the Pentagon to assist in removing bodies, as well as clearing debris from the building. He describes the difficult conditions, as well as the emotions of this work.

NEIT – 037: PFC Ryan Q. Quinn, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Holien)

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Ryan Quinn, Company E, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September his company was conducting civil disturbance training. They stopped training briefly when they learned of the New York attacks, and they had resumed training when they learned about the Pentagon attack. At that time they returned to the company area, secured their equipment and stood guard for the rest of the day. Some time later they went to the Pentagon, where they stood guard in the interior of the corredors to prevent people from entering parts of the building that were structurally unsound. The first time he arrived at the incident site he could smell the odors before actually seeing the damage. During the recovery efforts they performed whatever duties were necessary, especially various forms of labor. He states there was no time for emotional reaction within the building, and they only felt the emotions when they were outside of the building. He has the highest praise for the volunteers who worked supporting the soldiers, especially the Red Cross and Salvation Army workers. His most vivid memory is when some civilian rescue workers praised Echo Company.

NEIT – 038: PFC Travis B. Borrego, 3d Inf, 10/2/01(Holien) T/R

PFC Borrego was on leave in Missouri on 11 September. He describes guarding the interior corridors of the Pentagon to keep unauthorized personnel out of the damaged area and removing debris. He gives a good explanation of the protective gear he wore and decontamination procedures.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Travis Borrego, Company E, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He was on leave in St. Louis on the morning of 11 September. After learning of the attacks he drove straight back to Ft. Myer and rejoined his unit at about 11:00 that evening. He describes his role in performing recovery work at the Pentagon, with attention to the protective clothing and the difficult conditions. The interview concludes with a description of his most emotional moments, which were watching the gigantic flag being draped over the Pentagon, and watching a candlelight vigil to commemorate the victims.

NEIT – 039: PFC Christopher L. Peche, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Holien) T/R

PFC Peche describes his two weeks of helping shore up columns inside the Pentagon and removing debris. His first day at the Pentagon was 12 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Christopher L. Peche, Company B, 3d Infantry (Old Guard) He describes how he learned of the attack while sitting in the Company Day Room and how they spent the remainder of the day performing guard duty within the company area. He describes his first reaction upon seeing the damage to the Pentagon, and his work in helping to shore up the building. He also describes the safety measures, including protective clothing.

NEIT – 040: PFC Norman W. Suber, 3d Inf, 10/2/01(Holien) T

PFC Suber heard the plane strike the Pentagon and performed guard duty inside the building that night. Subsequently he did recovery work inside the damaged part of the building, which he described as “mindblowing.” He provides a brief description of small-unit camaraderie helping individuals cope with the sights.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Norman Suber, Company B, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He describes how his unit was preparing to conduct tactical training that morning, when news of the attacks hit. They performed security duty on the Pentagon to prevent people from returning to their offices during the second night after the attack. He then describes his arrival at the crash site to perform recovery work. Here he describes his emotions upon confronting the challenge, with the realization that if he did not perform the unpleasant work of recovering these remains someone else would. He also describes how the people pulled together. The interview concludes with a discussion of the working conditions, and the attempts to improve the welfare and morale of the soldiers.

Abstract: PFC Perryman was detailed to assist the Ft. Myer Military Police searching vehicles entering the post from 12 to 15 September and removing debris from the Pentagon from 15 to 22 September. He describes his morning routine of preparing his dress blue uniform for casket detail, hearing about the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and being put on alert to move to the Pentagon in his BDUs. He remembers being instructed to notify the FBI whenever he found any body parts among the debris. He also talks about the protective gear he wore and decontamination procedures.

NEIT – 042: SPC Dakota Gallivan, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Shirer) T

SPC Gallivan describes his duties of guarding hallways near the damaged area in the Pentagon and removing the debris from the building. He recounts the instructions he received from the FBI about not disturbing the crime scene and what to when body parts were found.

Abstract: SPC Gallivan describes his duties of guarding hallways near the damaged area in the Pentagon and removing the debris from the building. He recounts the instructions he received from the FBI about not disturbing the crime scene and what to when body parts were found. He remembers hearing about the attack on the Pentagon on the TV and then going out on the barrack’s porch and seeing the smoke rising from the Pentagon. He gives details about working with the Defense Protective Services inside the Pentagon, searching through the rubble for bodies, assisting the engineers to shore up the floors, and removing debris. He did not have an emotional reaction when he found human remains, but recalls feeling sad when he saw family photos among the burnt out offices. He remembers the chaplains and grief counselors being present and constantly checking on him. “I have never been so proud to be an American in my entire life as when I saw all these people come together for this operation,” he said when asked about Camp Unity. He closes with the statement that the funeral services his company performs are “definitely more personal to us.”

NEIT – 043: PFC Matthew Malmquist, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Shirer) T

PFC Malmquist describes clearing debris from the first floor of the Pentagon and notifying the FBI when he found body parts. He also helped guard the debris collection area outside the Pentagon.

Abstract: PFC Malmquist describes clearing debris from the first floor of the Pentagon and notifying the FBI when he found body parts. He also helped guard the debris collection area outside the Pentagon. He was on leave in Minnesota and did not get back to Ft. Myer until 14 September. He said that he removed debris by hand from areas where the Bobcat loaders could not access. The debris was sorted for human remains, airplane parts, and sensitive documents. He was impressed with “how respectfully they [FBI] handle [the remains],” which were put into a body bag and carried out on a stretcher by a team of soldiers. “Everything was treated as a full human body. I really liked that.” He also tells about the protective clothing he wore. When asked about the groups that provided food and beverages, he responded that the North Carolina Baptist Church “set up a huge tent and served ‘real food,’ pancakes, eggs, and barbeque.” He also mentions the food and sundry items provided by the Red Cross, AAFES, MacDonald’s, Burger King, and Outback Steakhouse. He states that he never heard a single complaint from his buddies about what they were doing. He closes with a description of guarding the FBI’s debris collection area in North Parking and the specific guard instructions he received from the FBI.

NEIT – 044: SPC John Lagana, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Shirer) “Digit”

SPC Lagana describes his duties of guarding the hallways to the damaged area in side the Pentagon and removing debris from the damages area. He did not see any remains.

Abstract: SPC Lagana describes his duties of guarding the hallways to the damaged area in side the Pentagon and removing debris from the damages area. He did not see any remains. He spent his first two days at the Pentagon guarding the entrances to the damaged area to keep former occupants out of the danger area. He tells about removing debris from building, the protective clothing he wore and decontamination procedures. He kept his emotions under control by seeing it as a job that had to be done. The main memory he has was finding dog tags and a unit crest in a burnt out office.

NEIT – 045: PFC Tim Wright, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Villard) T

PFC Wright participated in the recovery effort at the Pentagon and describes working alongside the FBI in identifying and removing human remains. He remembers the terrible smoke smell coming through even his gas mask filter.

ABSTRACT: PFC Wright was getting ready to participate in riot control training when he heard about the World Trade Center attack. He went to the Pentagon (probably on the 12th) and waited for more orders. When he went into the damage zone the following day he recalled that it was dark and filled with smoke and water. He was disturbed by the sight of body bags be carried out. He was concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning and did not like the smell in the damage zone. The FBI would take charge when someone discovered human remains. He praised the Red Cross and Salvation Army. He said that the chaplains tried to help a lot of the men cope.

NEIT – 046: PFC Raymond Kline, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Villard) T

PFC Kline participated in the recovery effort at the Pentagon and describes his concern about the structural integrity of the building as he was working inside of it. He mentions the excellent support services and the risk of dehydration while working in the protective suits.

ABSTRACT: PFC Kline was participating in riot control training when he learned of the Pentagon attack. He spent the rest of the day at Ft. Myer and conducted security. He went to the Pentagon on the 12th and spent the day waiting outside. He went into the damage zone on the 13th to clear debris and remove human remains. The damage was far worse than he had imagined. He was concerned about the building collapsing. He wore a complete set of protective gear. He gave high marks to the civilian and federal support agencies. He talked with his family about his experience but did not give many specific details. One of his most striking memories was of finding an undamaged bouquet of flowers under a desk.

NEIT – 047: PFC Joshua Lasek, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Villard) T

PFC Lasek helped with the recovery effort and noted the very poor visibility inside of the damage zone, partly due to fogging in his gas mask. He mentions the danger from sharp objects in the damage zone and the risk of dehydration.

ABSTRACT: PFC Lasek was outside preparing to conduct riot training exercises when he heard about the World Trade Center attack. He heard a lot of rumors about bombs going off elsewhere too. He went to the Pentagon on the 12th. He thought the scene looked surreal and he found the smell to be unsettling. He remembered seeing an undamaged computer monitor in the midst of the burning damage zone. They went into the Pentagon on the 13th to guard the corridors. He went into the damage zone on the 15th. His mask fogged and it was hard to see. He wore a protective chemical suit but noted that it was made of thin material that could easily be torn. He worked four hours shifts in the beginning but that time was reduced to two hours because the men were getting overheated and dehydrated. He remembered chaplains being available to talk to the men.

SGT Marcinik describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon.

NEIT – 049: SGT Daniel Davis, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Lofgren) T

The communications chief of the HQ platoon, SGT Davis describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon, where he and others spent 16-hour days examining debris and recovered material in the North Parking lot.

NEIT – 050: SPC Ryan Watson, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Lofgren) T

SPC Watson describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon, noting that “NCOs really stepped up to the challenge.”

PFC Goodlander describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon. He provides useful details on what the soldiers did.

NEIT – 052: SPC Robert Dorsey, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Hirrel) T, AA

SPC Dorsey was participating in civil disturbance training when he heard a loud boom. Ordered back to the barracks, he and the rest of the company spent the day trying to prepare for whatever mission they might receive. On the first day at the PNT, the company moved rubble; on the second, the soldiers entered the building.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Robert Dorsey, Company E, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with a brief discussion about his duties in the Continental Color Guard and his entry into the Old Guard. Then he discusses how he was practicing for disturbances at the International Monetary Fund when he learned about the attacks. For the remainder of the day his company performed guard duty within Ft. Myer, including along the wall between the cemetery and the post. At one point they were issued rifles but no ammunition; but most of the time they used batons. He describes his response when he first saw the Pentagon, and the work within the building. He also describes the safety procedures and equipment. The interview concludes with a discussion of the morale and welfare efforts by the Army and the civilian community.

NEIT – 053: PFC Daniel Cooper, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Hirrel) T, AA

PFC Cooper was participating in civil disturbance training when he heard a loud crash. Ordered back to the barracks, the company focused on personnel accountability and barracks security. The following day, the company moved rubble at the PNT. He describes equipment and the destruction.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Daniel Cooper, Company E, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with a discussion of his duties in the Presidential Marching Platoon, and his entry into the Old Guard. On the morning of 11 September his company was conducting civil disturbance training, when news of the attack caused them to return to their barracks and secure the company area. Their first assignment within the Pentagon was to guard the interior corridors to prevent people from returning to their workspace unescorted. Later they moved to the outside area, where they shifted through the debris and helped to shore up the building to prevent further collapse. He describes his shock upon seeing the damage to the building. He also discusses the safety measures and the efforts to promote the morale and welfare of the soldiers. His most vivid memories are of the destruction to the building.

NEIT – 054: PFC Mark Dodge, Co. E, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Hirrel) T, AA

PFC Dodge was participating in riot control training when he head a crash, and then his unit was ordered back to the barracks. His company spent the day in the barracks. Subsequently, he worked security detail for Fort Myer, particularly along the border with Arlington Cemetery. He later cleared rubble at the Pentagon.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Mark Dodge, Company E, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with a description of his duties with the Continental Color Guard and his entry into the 3d Infantry. He then moves on to how he learned about the New York City attacks just before starting civil disturbance training that morning. After hearing the explosion from the Pentagon, all members of the company returned to their barracks and secured the company area. Later others pulled guard duty especially along the wall between the cemetery and the post and in the general officer quarters. He describes how he first went to the Pentagon a few days after the attack, and his reaction to the damage. At first his platoon was assigned to sift through the debris and to separate material of value, such as airplane parts or personal effects. Later they entered the building to help shore up the walls. He also describes the morale and welfare activities. His most vivid memory is the smell of the damaged area. The interview concludes with his comments upon the outpouring of support for their efforts.

The company training NCO, SPC Telgron was working in the barracks when the airplane hit the Pentagon. That evening he performed guard duty inside the Pentagon. His company started work at the PNT the next day, clearing debris. FBI personnel handled human remains. Provides details on working conditions and vividly remembers the smell.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Jason Telgren, Company B, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with a description of the Old Guard, and the recruiting procedures for soldiers. SPC Telgren describes his duties as the training NCO, and his learning of the attacks upon the morning of 11 September. After learning of the Pentagon attack members remained in the company area for the remainder of the day and secured the immediate area. His company went to the Pentagon on the night of 12 September. For the first night and most consecutive nights they assisted by removing debris and searching the area. When they discovered human remains they notified the FBI. He provides a good account of his emotions upon witnessing the wreckage, and he also provides a good description of the morale and welfare activities in the staging area, including fast food and non-governmental organizations.

NEIT – 056: PFC Devin Muir, Co. B, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Hirrel) T/R

PFC Muir performed guard duty in the Pentagon on the night of 11 September. He discusses subsequent recovery work, including methods, equipment and emotional stress. He also discusses morale issues.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Devin Muir, Company B, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He describes how his unit was preparing to conduct civil disturbance training that morning, when news of the attacks hit. They performed security duty on the Pentagon to prevent people from returning to their offices during the second night after the attack. He then describes his arrival at the crash site to perform recovery work. Here he describes his emotions upon confronting the challenge, with the realization that if he did not perform the unpleasant work of recovering these remains someone else would. He describes the activities in the parking lot to assist the soldiers, ranging from non-governmental organizations, fast food, and even a massage tent. The interview concludes with his comments about how everyone came together during this emergency.

NEIT – 057: PFC Keith Dooley, Co. B, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Villard) T

PVT Dooley participated in the recovery effort at the Pentagon and describes working on a security detail inside of the building. He mentions concerns about the safety of working in the damage zone and how the emotional impact of the job brought him closer to his family and to his fellow soldiers.

ABSTRACT: PVT Dooley was attending a class on riot control for the upcoming IMF World Bank meeting when he saw the television news report the terrorist attack. He went to the Pentagon on the afternoon of the 12th. His first duty was to guard the interior hallways and prevent access to the damage zone. At midnight he began working on debris removal in the damage zone. He was disturbed by the smell of burning rubber and metal. He was concerned that the building might collapse on them. His protective gear was BDUs, work gloves, helmets, and masks. He worked the night shift for the first week. Working in the damage zone involved heavy physical labor. When they encountered human remains they notified the FBI right away. The emotional shock hit him hardest away from the work site. He saw many chaplains at the Pentagon, there to help counsel the men. He praised the Salvation Army and the Red Cross for providing food and comfort items. One of his disturbing memories was finding a hand with a wedding band on it. He thought the Pentagon work brought his company closer together. He took more pride after the attacks in performing ceremonial burial duties at Arlington.

NEIT – 058: LT Mark O'Neill, Co. B, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Villard) T

1LT O’Neill participated with the recovery effort at the Pentagon and was with the first platoon from the Old Guard to enter the damage zone. He notes that his protective gear became better over the first few days, how he worked closely with engineers to keep his men safe, and how emotionally difficult it was to find personal effects from victims in the debris.

ABSTRACT: 1LT O’Neill was watching a video about the IMF World Bank protests when he heard of the first World Trade Center attack. He and his men deployed to the Pentagon on the afternoon of the 12th. His platoon was the first of the regiment to go into the damage zone to assist with the recovery effort. His men cleared debris to help the engineers make an assessment of the building damage. He and his men wore helmets, work gloves and surgical masks, and eye protection. In the following days they wore more sophisticated contamination gear. He was concerned for the safety of his platoon because the building was unstable and filled with dangerous debris. The work took an emotional toll on his men, most of whom were still teenagers. He gave high marks to the civilian support agencies. It shook him to find personal effects in the rubble. He was greatly disturbed by the unique smell of the impact zone.

NEIT – 059: SGT Jonathan Hoffman, Co. B, 3d Inf, 10/2/01 (Villard) T

SGT Hoffman participated with the recovery effort at the Pentagon and mentions the very good support services, including a substantial number of chaplains, as well as the high degree of cooperation and coordination between military and civilian agencies. He expresses his admiration for the civilian volunteer agencies and particularly the Red Cross and Salvation Army for their unstinting help.

ABSTRACT: SGT Hoffman had been practicing for the Spirit of America show when he learned of the terrorist attacks. He heard a plane fly overhead and seconds later hit the Pentagon. He and his unit went to the Pentagon on the night of the 12th. He thought the building looked a lot worse than it did on television. When his men went into the damage zone that first night, not all of them had contamination suits. He was shocked by the extent of the devastation. The smell particularly bothered him and it remained on his body when he went home to his family. He thought that most of his men handled the stress well. He felt the experience brought his platoon closer together. He was very impressed with the civilian and government support services. One of his most searing memories was of a man in the Pentagon burned to death in his chair. He had special praise for the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

NEIT – 060: SPC Keith Wessing, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Holien) T

SPC Wessing rotated between guarding Ft. McNair and working on the night shift removing human remains and debris from the Pentagon for three weeks after 11 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Keith Wessing, from Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He describes how his unit learned of the attack while practicing for "The Spirit of America" at Ft. McNair, and how they immediately returned to Ft. McNair by bus. Because of traffic they had to get off the bus and run the final distance. At Ft. McNair they performed security duty until they were sent to assist at the Pentagon. He describes the working conditions at the Pentagon, and his efforts to clear debris. They did not move bodies until after receiving permission from the FBI.

NEIT – 061: PFC Raymond Robinson, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Holien) T/R

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Raymond S. Robinson, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He describes how his company was conducting rehearsals for the "Spirit of America" performance at Ft. Myer, when news of the attack came. He spent the remainder of the day guarding some historical weapons at Ft. Myer, and didn't return to Ft. McNair until that evening. He did not see the Pentagon until 4 days afterwards. He worked the night shift, assisting the recovery efforts by performing details and manual labor.

NEIT – 062: PFC Philip Kitts, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Holien) T/R

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Phillip Kits, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He describes how his company was preparing to conduct rehearsals for the "Spirit of America" performance, when the news of the attack came. After waiting at Ft. Myer for busses, the company returned to Ft. McNair. During the move, the soldiers had to leave the buses because the traffic was not moving. They ran the final distance. Once back at Ft. McNair they performed security duty, especially along "generals row." They first arrived at the Pentagon about three days after the attack. He describes his anger at witnessing the damage. The interview concludes with a discussion of his unit's work at the Pentagon, including the protective clothing, the long and difficult working conditions, and the efforts to improve the morale and welfare of the soldiers.

NEIT – 063: 1LT Maholchic, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Holien) T

Abstract: This is an interview with 1LT Adrian C. Maholchic, a platoon leader in Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He describes how he was preparing to join his company for "Spirit of America" rehearsals at Ft. Myer, when they heard the explosion and learned of the Pentagon attack. Rehearsals were cancelled and the unit returned to Ft. McNair as soon as transportation was available. Because of traffic jams the soldiers had to leave the busses and run the final distance. At first they performed security details at Ft. McNair, and they then then began working night shfts at the Pentagon on either the following Wednesday or Thursday. For the most part the soldiers performed manual labor in support of the recovery operations. When soldiers were assigned to guard duty at Ft. McNair followed by work at the Pentagon, they found the hours to be especially long. The interview concludes with a short description of efforts by the Army and non-governmental organizations to promote the morale and welfare of the soldiers.

NEIT – 064: SPC Michael Porche, Co. H, 3d Inf, 10/4/01 (Hirrel), AA

SPC Porche saw the plane that crashed into the Pentagon fly over Ft. Myer and heard the explosion. He provides some useful observations about the Pentagon crash site (“looked like a circus”), the rescue and recovery effort (first sight of a body), and soldier support (will always contribute to the Red Cross in the future).

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Michael Porche, a member of the drill team, Company H, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with a discussion of his role in the drill team. On the morning of 11 September his unit learned about the World Trade Center attacks and continued with PT. The were in the company area after PT when they witnessed a low flying aircraft head towards the Pentagon. Afterwards they learned that this plane had hit the Pentagon. The company commander order a formation and then instructed everyone to change into their BDU's and secure their equipment. He describes the mood of the soldiers at this time as angry and wanting to do something. For most of the two weeks following the attack the drill team performed security duty at Ft. Myer, assisting the military police and guarding the general officer quarters. Some of them also provided physical security of the evidence. He states that members of the drill team wanted to go into the Pentagon incident site. About 5 or 6 days after the incident, SPC Porche was one of the soldiers from the drill team who visited the incident site. He says that by that time the area in the parking lot resembled a circus with the tents, trucks, the people and the bustle. Upon arriving a the incident site his most striking impression was the smell, which he describes as the "smell of death." His duty was to monitor air quality and to assist the experts by performing physical labor. He praises the Red Cross and the Salvation Army for their assistance. He also praises the regimental chain of command for their efforts to encourage the soldiers. His most vivid memories are of the first body he found, and the smell of the place. The interview concludes by his noting that he was glad to see the way Americans pulled together, but upset that it took something this tragic.

1LT Ruppel-Lee describes his platoon’s duties reinforcing the Ft. Myer Military Police on Ft. Myer, VA during the three weeks after 11 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with 1LT Stephen Ruppel-Lee, the executive officer for Company H, 3d Infantry (Old Guard), with additional duty as platoon leader for the platoon that guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The interview begins with a description of his entry into the 3d Infantry. At Ranger School Infantry officers over six feet tall were selected for the Old Guard. He then discusses the organization of Company H, which consisted of specialty platoons, one to guard the Tomb of the Unknown, one caisson platoon, one gun section for saluting, a drill team, and a Military Police Platoon. On the morning of 11 September, he was performing paperwork in his office, when he learned of the World Trade Center attacks, and shortly afterwards he learned of the Pentagon attack. His first action was to bring the company together and to obtain a headcount of the personnel. He also describes efforts to reassure the families of the soldiers. For most of the day the company performed guard duty within the company area, with the exception of the gun section, who went to the Pentagon incident site. He describes conditions in the lock-down and efforts to reassure families. He also notes the Tomb platoon spent the night guarding the Tomb with batons, instead of the ceremonial guard duty. The interview then covers the working conditions at the incident, and is especially good for describing changes after the first night. During the first night soldiers wore only dust masks, but later the protective equipment changed to the full protective equipment. He describes the heat stress caused by the protective clothing, as well as the difficulties in seeing and hearing potential dangers. He also notes that the soldiers ate MRE's the first night, but that changed to commercial food later. He praises the soldiers for their work, and notes that morale was highest while the soldiers were performing some of the most arduous tasks. He also describes the activities of the regimental leadership in encouraging the soldiers. His most vivid memories are the sirens on the first day, and the smell of the incident site.

SGT Cekala performed guard duty at Ft. McNair on 11 September. He removed human remains and cleared debris from the Pentagon beginning on 12 September. He placed human remains in the remains pouches before they were carried out.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Michael Cekala, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). After a brief discussion of his entry into the Old Guard SGT Cekala describes how his company was rehearsing for the "Spirit of America" performance when the plane struck the Pentagon. They returned to Ft. McNair using busses, but because the traffic was stopped, they left the bus and ran the final distance. For the remainder of the day the unit performed security duty around Ft. McNair. The following evening they began working at the incident site, and they continued to work the night shift. He describes how they entered the building the first time, and he relates about the time he found an officer with his ID card still in his hand, as if he were trying to swipe it through an entry control point. He also describes the protective clothing and the morale activities. His most vivid memories are of the officer with the ID card in his hand, and the smell of the building. The interview concludes with his comments about how hard all of the soldiers worked.

NEIT – 067: SPC Jason Freestone, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Hirrel), AA

SPC Freestone performed guard duty at Ft. McNair on 11 and 12 September. He describes removing debris and plane parts from the Pentagon beginning on 13 September. He notified the FBI when he found plane parts so they could mark its location.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Jason Freestone, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with a description of his duties in the company, which normally shifted between ceremonial duties, often in period uniforms, and field training, where he used the M203 Grenade Launcher. On the morning of 11 September he was conducting rehearsals for the "Spirit of America," which he describes as a show portraying the history of the United States Army, using period uniforms. When they learned of the attack the soldiers waited for transportation and then returned to Ft. McNair by bus. While stuck in traffic the soldiers observed the smoke from the Pentagon, and expressed their rage at the attack and their desire to retaliate. As the traffic was stopped the soldiers ran along Maine Avenue from the Fish Market to Ft. McNair, much to the surprise of already distressed civilians. The first night at Ft. McNair they pulled guard especially in the company area. They first arrived at the Pentagon in the evening of 12 September, and they continued to work the night shift for the remainder of the recovery effort. He states that most soldiers did little during the first night. After that they performed labor duty as necessary, removing equipment such as copiers, or looking for bodies. He describes the procedures for handling plane parts, personal effects, and human remains. He also describes the protective equipment consisting of Tyvec suits, and respirators, as well as the precautions to prevent heat injuries. The long hours often resulted in married soldiers remaining in the barracks, even though they had a little time to visit their families. He describes how he explained his duties to his 6-year old son. He attributes the unit's ability to function to the focus on the goal of recovery at the Pentagon. The regimental leadership including the Sergeant Major and the commander continued to visit the soldiers, even though they worked the night shift. The memory that will remain in his mind the most is his feeling of rage upon first observing the damage at the Pentagon. The interview concludes with his expression of gratitude to the volunteer workers who supported him, especially the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

SPC Hokanson performed guard duty at Ft. McNair and Ft. Myer beginning on 11 September. He served as a stretcher-bearer removing human remains from the Pentagon on 12 September. He also removed debris from the building.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Jason Hokanson, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). After some personal background information, SPC Hokanson notes that his company was at Ft. McNair preparing to conduct rehearsals for the "Spirit of America," which he describes as a performance to show every conflict that the Army has fought. The soldiers were shocked upon learning of the attacks. They then were bussed back to Ft. McNair along the Memorial Bridge, but they were forced to travel the final distance on foot. After arriving at Ft. McNair they pulled guard duty in the company area, although later some soldiers guarded the general officer quarters and the entrances to the post. He first arrived at the Pentagon on 12 September, and that night his job was to look for tags on the bodies recovered and to move bodies. Because of duty rotations he did not return to the Pentagon for two nights. Thereafter he performed a variety of duties, including sifting through the rubble. He describes the safety measures including the protective clothing and respirators. He also describes the morale builders, especially the food and the volunteer organizations. His most vivid memory is of the body parts, and some of the sights within the Pentagon.

SGT Yellot rotated between performing guard duty at Ft. McNair and removing debris from inside the Pentagon for two weeks after 11 September. He also describes carrying human remains from the Pentagon on the evening of 12 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Benjamin Yellott, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September his company was at Ft. Myer, practicing for the Spirit of America show, when they learned about the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The company then returned to Ft. McNair by bus. Because of the heavy traffic, they stopped near the fish market and traveled the rest of the distance on foot. After returning to Ft. McNair they changed from PT uniforms to BDU's and spent the remainder of the day securing the company area. Later they performed guard duty on other parts of Ft. McNair. When they did have weapons, the weapons were not loaded. SGT Yellott first went to the Pentagon incident site on the night of 12 September. That night he was placed on a search team to go into the building looking for bodies. He describes the procedures for stopping work when a body was discovered while the FBI took photographs of the scene. Soldiers removed the bodies only after the FBI was finished documenting the evidence. On subsequent nights, he performed various details, to include helping to shore up the building, removing debris, and guarding the evidence. He says that emotionally he was able to endure the work better than he expected, because of the soldiers' pride in their work, and the knowledge that they were helping the families of the victims. He has the highest praise for the volunteer organizations, especially the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The interview concludes with a pointed vignette about the time he encountered a body and noticed the man's wedding ring. The sight of the wedding ring made him realize that this man would never see his wife and children again.

NEIT – 070: SPC Jonathan Taylor, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Lofgren) T

SPC Taylor describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon. On what the soldiers actually encountered at the Pentagon, he comments, “If there’s a hell, this is it.”

Abstract:

NEIT – 071: 1LT Kevin P. Hagerty, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Villard) T

1LT Hegarty participated with the recovery effort at the Pentagon starting the evening of 12 September and says that his men held up well in emotional terms during the job. He is a native of New York City and lost several close friends in the WTC collapse.

NEIT – 072: PVT Gregory E. Reed, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Villard) T

PVT Reed was at Ft. Myer when the Pentagon attack occurred and he made his way back to Ft. McNair. He worked on the Pentagon recovery effort starting on the 12th and notes that he suffered nightmares from the things he witnessed in the damage zone.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Gregory Reed, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he was preparing for rehearsals for the "Spirit of America" when he heard rumors about the World Trade Center attacks. He went to a nearby car and turned the radio on. Then they heard a loud noise, followed by a radio announcement of the Pentagon attacks. He could then see the smoke coming out the vicinity. His company then returned to Ft. McNair by bus, although they ran the distance from the vicinity of L'Enfant Plaza. Upon returning to Ft. McNair they changed from PT uniform to BDU's and spent the remainder of the day within the company area. He first arrived at the Pentagon incident site on 12 September and he helped to remove bodies. During this interview he describes the psychological impact of this work, and the nightmares that followed this assignment. He believes that he performed important work, despite the heavy psychological stress.

NEIT – 073: SPC Matt Colton, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Villard) T

SPC Colton was at Ft. Myer when the Pentagon was hit and he made his way back to Ft. McNair with his platoon. He got to the Pentagon around the 13th and worked on the recovery effort, noting that on several occasions he and others had to run out of the building due to concerns about building integrity.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Matt Colten, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September, his unit was preparing to conduct rehearsal for the "Spirit of America" when they learned of the attacks upon the World Trade Center. Shortly afterwards they heard the noise from the Pentagon attack. They returned to Ft. McNair by bus, although somewhere near the fish market they got off the bus and traveled on foot. After changing from PT uniforms to BDU's they spent the remainder of the day locked down in the company area. Upon first seeing the Pentagon he had expected more damage, but the building held up better than he had expected. His mission was to enter the building and remove debris. If they discovered a body the FBI would be notified. Initially they were concerned about safety, including the possibility of a building collapse. After a day of two they felt safer. He praises the volunteer workers, especially the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. One of his strongest memories will be the way that the building held up in spite of the hit by an aircraft. He thinks that these events will help pull the nation together.

NEIT – 074: SGT Charles Gatlin, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Villard) T

SGT Gatlin was in the Pentagon at a dentist’s appointment when the plane struck, although he did not hear or feel the impact. He made his way out of the building, helping a lady in shock to escape, and then spent the next several days assisting in the recovery effort.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Charles Gatlin, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he was at the dentist office at the Pentagon, when he learned of the crash into the World Trade Center from watching CNN. At that time they were not sure whether the crash was accidental or deliberate. Apparently he was in the dentist's chair when the plane hit. He did not hear any noise, and he didn't realize what was happening until the dentist and the hygienist left. After realizing that the room was empty he went outside the dental clinic and observed the chaos of the evacuation. After helping some people evacuate he made it outside where he observe the employees standing outside. Because the bridges to DC were blocked he went home instead of returning to Ft. McNair. The following day he reported to work at the Pentagon, and was detailed to assist the Red Cross. For many of the following days he worked with the Red Cross, although he also worked sifting through the rubble. While in the damaged building he coped by looking the other way. He also talked to his father, a Vietnam infantry veteran about these events. He has the highest praise for the civilian workers, especially the fire and rescue personnel. He doesn't think that these events have change his life in any fundamental ways, although we now must live with greater security precautions.

SGT Theus made his way from Ft. Myer to Ft. McNair on the 11th and participated with the recovery effort at the Pentagon starting on the 12th. He said that the events of 9/11 might convince him to stay in the Army instead of retiring in three years.

Abstract: This is an interview with SFC Michael Theus, Company A, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September his company was at Ft. Myer, preparing for rehearsals of the "Spirit of America" show when the heard the noise of the crash, followed by the smoke and the sirens of rescue vehicles. The company stopped rehearsal and began accounting for people. They were bussed back to Ft. McNair, although the traveled the last part of the trip on foot because of the heavy traffic. On 12 September he first went to the Pentagon to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. His first impression was anger and disgust with the attacks. They were not sure about their assignment at first, then they learned that it was to enter the building. He told the soldiers in his platoon that not wanting to go into the building was normal, but that if they were victims then they would be expecting someone to recover their bodies, and that the families required this work to be done. The damage was beyond what he would have expected, and they needed to reinforce the building to prevent collapse upon the rescue workers. This work was emotionally more difficult than he would have expected. He felt a greater emotional bond with the victims than he did during funeral details. He found support through family, friends, and his church. He praises the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the other volunteer assistance. His most vivid memory is finding a tennis shoe with a woman's foot still inside. These events have somewhat changed his outlook, and might cause him to extend his time in the Army.

NEIT – 076: 1LT Rob Wolfe, Co. A, 3d Inf, 10/3/01 (Lofgren) T

1LT Wolfe, a veteran of Desert Storm, describes the events of 11 September and the actions of his company at the Pentagon. He lauds the dedication of the soldiers as they searched through debris for personnel effects.

CPT Besterman discusses the pre-attack training schedule, the Old Guard mission, and events prior to Pentagon strike. He provides a detailed account of actions immediately following strike, return to company area, recovery/security of impact site, inter-agency cooperation at Pentagon, night-time remains recovery, soldier mental health, and command support (Old Guard).

NEIT – 079: PFC Evalani Alvarez, Co. H, 3d Inf, 10/4/01 (Holien)

PFC Alverez was at the firing range at Ft. AP Hill at the time of the attack. She pulled gate guard duty at Ft. Myer and Ft. McNair.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Evalani Alvarez, a Military Policewoman with Company H, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September she was preparing to fire a shotgun at Ft. A. P. Hill when they learned about the attacks. At first they did not believe the reports, but when they realized the reports were correct, they returned to Ft. Myer as quickly as possible, often driving along the shoulder of the highway. Once at Ft. Myer, she was placed on guard duty. The hours were long, at first they worked 6 hours on 6 hours off, but that changed to 8 on/8 off and later to 12 on/12 off. These hours did not include preparation time, drawing weapons, and administrative time, so they worked close to a 16 hour day. She notes that in the days right after the attack the MP's carried 3 weapons, the M-19, the M-16 and the pistol. She also talks about stories she heard from other soldiers. The interview concludes with her expression of gratitude for all the support she received, including generals' wives baking cookies for them.

NEIT – 080: PFC Blake Shaffer, Co. H, 3d Inf, 10/4/01 (Holien)

PFC Shaffer helped guard Ft. Myer and specifically his company. He saw smoke come from the Pentagon area after the crash.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Blake Shaffer, a Military Policeman with Company H, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September his unit was preparing to provide security at Arlington Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Australian President. They first heard of the World Trade Center attacks, then they saw the smoke coming from the Pentagon. Shortly afterwards they heard of the Pentagon attack on the radio. They immediately changed to tactical clothing and spent the next few weeks guarding Ft. Myer. Their instructions for the use of deadly force were the standard MP instructions allowing a graduated response. At first they worked 6 hours on and 6 hours off; but they spent so much time drawing and turning weapons, along with other requirements that the MPs were becoming exhausted. The hours then changed to 8 on/8 off and then to 12on/12 off. They managed to continue working because they knew the work had to be done.

NEIT – 081: SPC Tyrone Pardner, Co. H, 3d Inf, 10/4/01 (Holien)

SPC Pardner helped guard the crash site. He also helped shore up the building with the engineers. First-hand account of the wreckage.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Tyrone Pardner, Company H, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He was on sick call during the morning of 11 September, when he learned of the World Trade Center attacks from the television. Upon returning to his company area they learned of the Pentagon attacks. For a time, the leadership had everyone outside in formation because they feared another attack. For most of the time that he worked in the vicinity of the incident he guarded evidence. Occasionally he went inside the building in a hazmat suit. Emotionally he was saddened by the damage, and the loss of lives. The duties hours were long. He praises the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. His most memorable scene is the sight of body parts on the first night.

NEIT – 082: CPT Lance Green, Co. H, 3d Inf, 10/4/01 (Frambes) T/R

CPT Lance Green, Cdr, H Company, 3rd U.S. Infantry (Old Guard) at Ft. Myer discusses the organization, pre-attack training schedule, and the location of his platoons in and around the NCR. He also describes composition of H Company, its rotation through night-time remains recovery, soldier support, and details regarding collection of evidence for FBI, NTSB, and other federal agencies. He also discusses the personal effects that were recovered, emotional state of leaders and soldiers, and mentions the tornado that struck the Pentagon North Parking lot during recovery operations.

SPC Grzywa was at Ft. Myer when he heard the plane hit the Pentagon and got to the building in the afternoon of the 11th. He worked on the recovery effort for nearly three weeks and expressed pride that he had been given a chance to do something really important other than ceremonial duties.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Joshua D. Grzywa, Company H, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he was preparing his uniform for a ceremony involving the Australian Prime Minister when his unit learned of the attacks upon the World Trade Center. Soon they heard a noise, and saw the smoke coming from the Pentagon. They were told to evacuate the building and hold a formation outside. Then they returned to the barracks to secure their equipment and to guard the building. At that time the talk among the soldiers was mostly disbelief. He went to the Pentagon on the afternoon of 11 September. At that time there was confusion about the role of the soldiers. They spent much of the time moving supplies, setting up water trailers, and similar duties. Their missions changed constantly. Agencies who required assistance would coordinate through the junior leadership, and the sergeants or lieutenants would make the decisions. Later that evening he got closer to the building as they set up support systems. With all the damage it was hard to believe that this was once an office building. After working through the night of 11 September, they returned to the company, and returned later. At first they were concerned about the structural integrity of the building, but as they put supporting columns into place they began to enter the building to search for bodies and remove debris. At that time they began to appreciate the extent of the damage. During the interview he praises the chaplains, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. He also comments on the willingness of the soldiers to work together. His strongest memory is finding photographs belonging to the victims or encountering bodies that were largely in tact.

SGT Williams participated with the recovery effort at the Pentagon and was in the first platoon from the Old Guard to arrive at the building. He did interior security on the 12th and recovery work starting on the 13th, and notes that the chaplains helped him cope with the job.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Alton D. Williams, Company C, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). SGT Williams describes how he was preparing for range firing when he learned about the World Trade Center attacks from his wife, who also told him about a low flying airplane over Ft. Myer. After realizing what happened, they left the range and returned to Ft. Myer, retrieved their equipment and went to the Pentagon incident site. They arrived at the Pentagon that afternoon, and found themselves performing whatever labor needed to be done. They also guarded the interior corridors to prevent people from getting near the damaged area. Later during the recovery process they removed rubble from the damaged area. Whenever they encountered human remains they would notify the FBI. At this time their greatest concern was a fear that the building would collapse further. He also briefly describes the protective equipment and the psychological challenges of seeing body parts. Letters of support were important during this time. His most memorable scene is the look of the Pentagon the first day. The interview concludes with his comments upon of the importance of taking care of families, because our lives can end suddenly.

SGT Van Roekel was on the highway near the Pentagon when he heard about the attack and he made his way to Ft. Myer, where he worked on guard duty that night. He went to Ft. McNair on the 12th and for the next several days worked on guard duty there.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Christopher A. Van Roekel, from the 289th MP Company (-). On the morning of 11 September he was on leave and on his way to have his car inspected, when he heard the news of the attacks upon the radio. He could then see the smoke coming from the direction of the Pentagon. At that time he returned to his apartment to grab some uniforms and go to Ft. Myer. Once at Ft. Myer he was in charge of the security detail at Building 59, the Post Headquarters. He describes how he heard all sorts of crazy rumors about bombings and destruction on the day of 11 September that proved to be untrue. Later that day he traveled to Ft. Myer to perform guard duty there. He managed to make a quick phone call to his girl friend to ask her to call his parents and let them know that he was OK. He continued to perform guard duty either at Ft. Myer or Ft. McNair. He only saw the damage to the Pentagon while traveling between the two posts. His greatest concern is the possibility of future actions possibly using stolen ambulances of falsified credentials. His most memorable scene is the first sight of smoke coming out of the Pentagon.

SPC Chandler describes his duties as a truck driver moving troops between Ft. Myer and the Pentagon from the 11th until the end of September. He spent one night removing debris from the Pentagon.

Abstract: This is an interview with SPC Kenneth Chandler, Company H, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he was preparing his uniform for a wreath laying ceremony when they learned of the World Trade Center attacks. Shortly afterwards they heard a loud noise, followed by the news of the Pentagon attack. At that point the company moved out of the barracks for approximately an hour. Because he was a driver, apparently within the gun section, he then went to get the trucks. Although he did perform some security duty and a little work sifting through the rubble, he spent most of his time driving a truck between Ft. Myer and the Pentagon. His reaction upon seeing the incident site was a mixture of anger, disbelief and sadness. He briefly describes the morale activities, although as a truck driver he had access to the Ft. Myer facilities. He also comments on the numerous chaplains and counselors. He says that he will always remember that he was preparing his uniform when he learned of the attacks. The interview concludes with his gratitude for the candlelight vigils and the letters from school children. He also notes that the chain of command kept the troops well informed, especially after the first day.

Abstract: This is an interview with SGT Clint Nawara, Company H, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). He appears to be a member of the drill team. He learned of the World Trade Center attacks from watching the television, and watched the television coverage of the second aircraft hitting the World Trade Center. Then someone announced that the Pentagon had been hit. They held a company formation in the parking lot, before returning to the barracks to secure their equipment. For most ot the days following the attack he assisted the Military Police in guarding Ft. Myer, including searching vehicles. He did some work at the incident site around 18 or 19 September, helping the MDW engineers to carry lumber. He thought that the damage to the Pentagon was unbelievable, that it didn't seem real. He quickly describes the safety measures, including protective clothing and instructions to prevent heat injuries. He says that the best morale builder was the ability to talk to fellow soldiers. He very briefly says that the Washington Redskins came to visit them, but he does not elaborate on this point. He will remember watching the television coverage of the second aircraft hitting the WTC, and seeing an aircraft engine inside the Pentagon.

LCDR Stair functioned as a Deputy XO for the PFAC in Crystal City. She offers substantial information and a number of candid observations about the process (and problems) of getting the office up and running.

Hirschi was in 2D461 when the plane hit. She describes the effects of the blast and her harrowing escape. She also notes that the people in her office lost significant information (spreadsheets) that they had been pressured to move from their server to their hard-drives.

NEIT – 090: Steve Beck & Mike Shea, IMCEN/BTG, 10/12/01 (Lofgren) T

Beck and Shea describe their actions on 11 September. They then go into detail about their return at 0530 on 12 September and the subsequent efforts to get servers out of the damaged area and, in conjunction with NISA, back up and running.

A recent graduate of basic training, SPC Panfili’s first day of active duty at Fort Myer was 10 September. She describes the various actions that she and other FDC members undertook over the first two weeks to assist Fort Myer MPs and Engineers at the PNT.

CW4 Pace describes the contribution made by the FDC to the post-attack efforts at the Pentagon and at Fort Myer. She raises the issue of the military skills of band members and also provides general information about the Army’s special bands.

MSG James L. Hicks heard sirens and observed firemen running out of a building on Ft. Myer following the attack on the Pentagon. He assisted in the making of ID tags for the Secret Service for area access.

Abstract: This is an interview with MSG James L. Hicks, Fife & Drum Corps, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he had just finished Physical Training at the post gym, and was returning to his car when he heard people talk about the World Trade Center. He did not believe the news until he turned on his car radio and heard the news of the Pentagon about the same time that he saw firemen racing to their engines. The Fife & Drum Corps had a contingency mission of providing security to the regimental headquarters, which they performed the first night. On 12 September, he went to the incident site, where he assisted the Secret Service in preparing badges for personnel entering the area. The interview contains a good description about the process for making badges. The next day he was assigned to assist the Military Police in performing security duty at Ft. Myer. He states that the mood of the Fife & Drum Corps was one of "what can I do to help?" That attitude included the families, who provided food to soldiers on guard duty at night. One soldier recovering from meningitis wanted to help, but was put on light duty. His strongest memory is watching the soldiers remove body bags from the Pentagon. This incident has not changed his outlook, although he is more vigilant.

SSG Rolls provided basic information about the impact area inside the Pentagon and made one trip inside to carry out remains already inside body bags.

Abstract: This is an interview with SFC Richard N. Rolls, Fife & Drum Corps, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with his description of the morning of 11 September, while he was preparing for a performance, when he learned of the World Trade Center attacks from watching the news. After the Pentagon was hit he was detailed to help provide security until he was released to go home that evening. He first went to the incident site at the Pentagon around 13 or 14 November, and helped to perform light duty. He only went into the damaged interior once, and that was to help carry body bags. He says he was disappointed that he did not go into the Pentagon more often. He also describes a volunteer rescue organization going into the Pentagon wearing only hard hats, and Tee Shirts, with the gauze mask on top of the hard hat. He says that the area outside the Pentagon was like a carnival with all the support organizations operating out of tents. His strongest memories are listening to soldiers talk of their experience, including hearing some speculation that some soldiers were using safety equipment problems as a means to avoid duty inside the Pentagon. Overall he was impressed with the ability of the regiment to reconstitute itself for this mission. He believes that with the greater maturity of the Fife & Drum Corps members they may have been of more use during this contingency, although the is glad they had the opportunity to demonstrate their flexibility.

MSG Moon reported to duty 9/12. On 9/13 part of remains recovery team. Describes how they worked w/ FBI, officers led teams to remove remains to refrigeration trucks. Never saw body parts, only went in one time.

Abstract: This is an interview with MSG Donald Moon, Fife & Drum Corps, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September he was at home when he learned of the attacks from the television. He called his unit and tried to return to Ft. Myer, but all the roads were blocked, so he did not return to his unit until 12 September at 0400. For most of that day they waited and watched television on 12 September. He first went to the incident site on 13 September, and entered the building once to help remove body bags. He says that the damage was unreal, worse than one might expect from watching television. After entering the building once, they were told to remove their protective equipment and spent the remainder of the day waiting for further orders. They did not return to the Pentagon, but were subsequently assigned to assist the Military Police in guarding Ft. Myer. He says that his fellow soldiers all wanted to be used. He praises the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and volunteers for their support. He will most remember how the nation pulled together.

SSG Ricardo Rosa. Spoke to aspects of the lock down and pulling security. Helped recover bodies. Detailed bags breaking open with mixtures of fluids and blood.

Abstract: This is a very long interview with SSG Ricardo Rosales, Fife & Drum Corps, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). On the morning of 11 September, he was returning from physical training when he learned of the attacks upon the World Trade Center and then the Pentagon from watching the television. After hearing of the Pentagon attack he drove to the vicinity of the clothing sales store with some friends to see the smoke coming from the Pentagon, and he then realized the extent of the attack. The unit then changed uniforms and received their orders that the post was under a lockdown and that they would be performing guard duty. Some personnel made food runs, while others conducted a class on the care of protective masks. Later that day he was assigned guard duty, and he relates of an incident of a security expert who tested him by trying to enter the building. He first went to the Pentagon on Thursday, 13 September. Before going to the Pentagon the first sergeant had called for volunteers to enter the Pentagon, and almost everyone volunteered. The next day he was selected to go into the Pentagon. Before entering the regimental sergeant major again said there would be not stigma to withdrawing from this detail, but that the bodies needed to be recovered. Apparently SSG Rosales received the impression that this would be dangerous work, because of the danger of a building collapse. Nevertheless he continued this work. Just before entering the building he discovered that he glasses would not fit under his mask, so he quickly put his contact lenses on and entered the building. Once in the building they carried out one body on a litter before being relieved of this duty. He relates an account of another team that dropped a body bag, causing blood and fluids to spill. He also relates about how Representative Dick Armey came to visit them. After leaving the Pentagon, he was assigned to guard duty for the remainder of the period. Apparently he enjoyed the duty and he had some training on this type of work from a previous assignment at Ft. Drum, New York. The interview then covers his emotional reaction to the events in some detail, as he describes the stress of these events. He also discusses the support from his church group as well as a parking lot accident caused by the stress. The interview concludes with an episode where he missed a duty assignment because of a miscommunication, but his unit understood that it was an honest mistake.

SFC Arlint describes her duty producing identification badges for the rescue and recovery personnel working inside the damaged area of the Pentagon beginning on 14 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with SFC Judith Arlint, a bugler with the Fife & Drum Corps, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with background information about how she was selected for the Fife & Drum Corps before enlisting in the Army, and her role as a bugler. On the morning of 11 September she was getting dressed following physical training, when she learned of the attacks upon the World Trade Center and then the Pentagon. The company then went into lockdown, which presented a problem for her because she was the single parent of a pre-school age son. She contacted her babysitter, to arrange for her son to be picked up after day care, and to let her son know that she was OK. She also had the highest praise for her babysitter, who was Muslim. She was able to go home for a few hours that night to see her son. The following day, she returned to Ft. Myer, and went to the vicinity of the Pentagon that evening. They were told that they might need to go into the building to remove the bodies, but these orders were changed to working at the badge line. When he thought that she might be removing bodies, she thought that if it needed to be done, then she was willing to do it. She describes the process for making badges and the conditions in the badge line. After the one night at the Pentagon, her unit was assigned to security duty at Ft. Myer, primarily inspecting cars. This interview contains considerable material on her balancing her duties to the Army with her responsibilities as a single mother. She was able to use the support of her friends during this time, but she still missed her son. The interview contains one vignette about her need to say good-bye to her son, and his saying that he understood.

MSG Coffey was off duty on 11 September and remembers hearing the explosion at his home, 15 miles from the Pentagon. He describes his duties performing security details on Ft. Myer.

Abstract: This is an interview with MSG Jim Coffey, a drummer with the Fife & Drum Corps, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with background information about MSG Coffey, who has been with the Fife & Drum Corps during his entire 22 years in the Army. Most of the soldiers have been with the Fife & Drum Corps for a long time, and the base rank for members is Staff Sergeant (E6). On the morning of 11 September, he was at home when he heard the news of the attacks. He called his unit, but he was unable to make it to work because of the road closures. He did report to work the next day, 12 September. He was not one of the soldiers who went to the incident site. As members of the Fife & Drum Corps were assigned to patrols duties, his primary responsibility was to do the administrative coordination, concerning assignments, meals, etc. He states that the soldiers performed security duty near the general officer quarters, at the gates, and along the Arlington Cemetery wall. Except along the wall they worked in conjunction with Military Police; and they soldiers along the wall had radios. The Fife & Drum Corps returned to its normal duties after approximately two weeks of guard duty. The interview concludes with his expression of pride in the unit's ability to adapt rapidly to this requirement.

SGM Oktavec describes the various contingency missions he prepared for at Ft. Myer before being sent to the Pentagon on 14 September. At the Pentagon his soldiers were detailed to either remove debris or to produce the identification badges worn by all personnel working inside the damaged area of the Pentagon.

Abstract: SGM John J. Oktavec, the Sergeant Major for the Fife & Drum Corps, 3d Infantry (Old Guard), entered the Fife & Drum Corps at the beginning of his Army career in 1972 and has remained ever since. The Fife & Drum Corps is one of four special bands in the Army, with assigned soldiers typically remaining the band for their Army careers. Training is conducted entirely within the band. For contingency missions the Fife & Drum Corps has performed security duty at the regimental headquarters, but with little training in these duties. On the morning of 11 September SGM Oktavec was in his office, when he heard the news of the attacks upon the World Trade Center. He learned of the Pentagon attacks from the radio. At that time everyone remained in the company area, while he attended a briefing at the regimental headquarters. They were told that the situation was changing rapidly and to remain on standby. Some Fife & Drum Corps members were placed at the regimental headquarters, while most remained in the company area for the rest of the day. For the following day the soldiers remained waiting for some duty to be assigned. Initially, they believed that they might assist with feeding the troops at the Pentagon, but that proved unnecessary because of the overwhelming supply of fast food. The first soldiers went to the Pentagon on 13 September. Some soldiers entered the Pentagon for a time. He says that the soldiers were willing to perform this work, even though it is outside of their musician duties. After a short time the mission changed to assisting the Secret Service in preparing badges for people wishing to enter the incident site. After that Thursday the Fife and Drum Corps members did not return to the Pentagon site, and instead augmented the Ft. Myer Military Police in guarding the post. Most soldiers inspected cars at the gate, although some patrolled the wall between the post and Arlington Cemetery. Some soldiers were concerned that they were exposed to potential dangers during this time, especially while patrolling the wall. They were equipped only with radios if someone tried to enter the post. Security duty continued for another four or five days, until they were relieved by other units. The interview concludes with his comments that this experience brought the Fife & Drum Corps members closer together than ever before. It made them understand how much it meant to be a soldier.

SSG Patton describes his experience removing debris from inside the Pentagon on 14 September. He also provides an account of augmenting the Ft. Myer Military Police from 15 to 17 September.

Abstract: This is an interview with SSG Glen Patton, Fife & Drum Corps 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with some background information about SSG Patton, who has been in the Fife & Drum Corps during his entire 14 1/2 years in the Army. He describes his duties as the assistant drum major. On the morning of 11 September he was preparing for a performance at the MCI Center, when he learned of the attacks upon the World Trade Center, then the Pentagon. Shortly afterwards they were informed that there would be no transportation to the MCI Center and that their performance was cancelled. They spent the remainder of the day in the company area awaiting further instructions. On Thursday, 13 September he was one of the Fife & Drum Corps members to go to the incident site and to enter the Pentagon. He describes the protective equipment and the procedures for entering the Pentagon. He also describes the range of emotions, which ran from fear to feeling honored to perform this work. Interestingly his team had one woman soldier helping to remove the bodies. After his team removed one body, work at the Pentagon ceased because the building became unsound. They returned to Ft. Myer and were assigned to augment the Military Police. SSG Patton worked at the Hatfield and the Wright gates inspecting vehicles, under the guidance of the Military Police. Near the end of the month these support duty ended and the Fife & Drum Corps returned to its normal duties. The interview concludes with his comments upon the high morale of the soldiers during this time.

PFC Bates was participating in Civil Disturbance training when he a loud noise. Soon thereafter, he performed guard duty in the PNT near the AOC. The following day his unit started manual labor and recovery operations at the Pentagon, and he provides a number of useful details about this work and the conditions in which the soldiers worked.

Abstract: This is an interview with PFC Brandon Bates, Company E, 3d Infantry (Old Guard). The interview begins with an account of his selection to the Old Guard, and the selection process. On the morning of 11 September his company was practicing civil disturbance operations in preparation for the upcoming International Monetary Fund meeting, when they learned of the New York attacks and then heard the explosion from the Pentagon. On the day of 11 September his company spent most of the remaining day pulling security duty in the vicinity of the barracks. They arrived at the Pentagon on either 12 or 13 September, while the building was still smoking. He describes their work in removing debris and helping to shore up the building. He also describes the procedures for handling filing cabinets, safes, personal belongings, and human remains. He also describes the physical stress of working in protective clothing, with the concurrent heat problems. The interview then moves to a discussion of the safety as well as the morale and welfare activities, including the activities in the staging area. Soldiers ate food provided by food chains rather than mess hall food. The interview concludes with his comment that the smell was his most vivid memory of these events.

NEIT – 102: MAJ Samuel Bass, DAPE-PRS, ODCSPER, 10/11/01 (Rossow) T/R

MAJ Bass was in his cubicle in the C-ring area of the ODCSPER bay when the plane struck. He describes his escape from the impact area along with several other officers, his return to duty several days later at the Hoffman Building, and shift duty in the Personnel Contingency Cell in the Army Operations Center.

MAJ Grojean works in the Leadership Division of the Army Human Relations Directorate within ODCSPER. He was enroute from his office in the B-ring off Corridor 6 to the Personnel Contingency Cell in the Army Operations Center when the plane struck. He describes his activities as a Briefing Officer in the PCC for the following week or so.

NEIT – 104: LTC Victor Lugo, DAPE-PRC-C, ODCSPER, 10/8/01 (Rossow)

LTC Lugo, whose office was in the ODCSPER impact area, was at a meeting in the Hoffman Building at the time of impact. He is the Army's subject matter expert on entitlements. He describes his activities during the reconstitution of ODCSPER during the week following the attack and subsequent mobilization.

NEIT – 105: LTC Isabelle Slifer, DAPE, ODCSPER, 10/8/01 (Rossow) T/R

LTC Slifer was at her cubicle in the C-ring area of the ODCSPER bay when the plane struck. She describes her escape from the area and subsequent duties in the Personnel Contingency Cell of the Army Operations Center.

MAJ Yamada was in his cubicle in the C-ring area of the ODCSPER bay when the plane struck. He describes his escape from the impact area along with several other officers, his return to duty several days later at the Hoffman Building, and shift duty in the Personnel Contingency Cell in the Army Operations Center.

LTC Zappalla was in the DCSPER Operations Office in the impact area at the time of the attack. He was struck in the head by falling light fixtures. He describes his escape, subsequent medical treatment, and duties later in the Army Operations Center.

SGT Schwanke worked on Pentagon search and rescue and did route reconnaissance.

SGT Schwanke is the B Team Leader of the 2nd squad Heavy Rescue Platoon. Gave a good description of breaching techniques called honeycombing, where you drill a series of small holes to in a wall to breach the wall. On the day of the attack was pulling gate guard. First heard about the WTC attack from official FM traffic and then heard about the Pentagon the same way. Spoke to the sitation being fluid – was it a helicopter or plane? WTC status was very fluid to him at this time. Other planes supposedly still in the air – all this led to a high degree of uncertainity. Had to creep the dozer and bucket loader under some of the bridges heading up Mt. Vernon. Noted the smell before they got on site, a heavy POL smell. Red Cross was providing food to the soldiers on the first day with 3-4 hours. Described T-System of shoring and how weight is transferred and how it is constructed. Vivid description of finding victims at the back of the building. Throughout the interview stressed how they should have been there sooner, that perhaps had they been there sooner others might have survivied. In his opinion habitual relationships paid off as they knew folks from the other organizations and knew how they worked.

NEIT – 109: SPC Henry Lee, MDW Engineers, 10/18/01 (Majors) T/R, AA

SPC Lee, MDW Rescue Engineers, worked at the scene to recover remains and assist with the gathering of evidence. Good description of crime scene and feelings. Atmosphere and attitude of soldiers. “People my age should not see what I’ve seen”.

NEIT – 110: SSG Alan McCaw, MDW Engineers, 10/18/01 (Majors) T/R, AA

SSG McCaw, a squad Leader for the Heavy Rescue Platoon, MDW Rescue Engineers, provides an emotional interview with lots of mission information. Concern for the safety of soldiers inside the building. Explanation of shoring operations.

A mechanic and HMMWV operator during rescue and recovery operations beginning on 11 September, PV2 Bates stayed predominantly with vehicles as security.

PV2 James Bates is a mechanic and HMMWV operator for the MDW engineers. His primary mission on 9/11 was to make sure the vehicles and equipment were ready for the engineers to fall in on when the order was given to move out. After some initial confusion, they finally got the word and headed to the Pentagon with a police escort. He was initially in awe to be a part of something so big and with the destruction itself.

Since the vehicles were basically park at the site and no maintenance problems arose, he was put on vehicle guard for the duration of the engineers stay.

SGT Orange worked at the scene to recover remains and assist with the gathering of evidence. Father and Uncle both at the Pentagon that day. Good information on unit training and task force coordination.

SSG Sanchez worked at the Pentagon to recover remains and assist with the gathering of evidence. Explanation of different missions of the light and heavy platoons. Speed of deployment and stock on hand covered.

SGT Blakes worked at the scene to recover remains and assist with the gathering of evidence. He provides a heartfelt interview on soldiers and the tragedy, and expresses his regrets of not being able to save anyone. Very good interview.

SGT Balvanz worked on rescue effort. Squad leader responsible for 5 other soldiers.

SGT Balvanz is a squad leader in charge of five soldiers. His squad has rope instructors for vertical and horizontal work and rigging. Soldiers were trained on rope work by Arlington rescue and PRIZM, a contractor. SGT Balvanz goes into great detail on ropes, rope strength, OSHA rope standards and the training that goes along with vertical rope usage. Alerted by pager as to a mission. Ensured all of his soldiers went up to the company and signed back in again for accountability. When they pulled into the Pentagon they were about 200 meters from the impact site and began unloading the HEMMT for shoring. Found 6 X 6 for shoring to be far better due to their capacity vs using a 4 X 4 for shoring. First mission was to go up on the left side of the Pentagon to cut holes for ventilation purposes to assist in the firefighting with the quickie saw. His squad recovered some vicitims. Found the first floor covered with standing water and as one got closer to the site it became a smell from a fire.

SSG Williams was among the very first Army soldiers into the Pentagon for rescue and recovery efforts.

Works in the light rescue platoon. Special skills in the platoon include EMT, Fairfax rescue school graduates and Air Assault/Slick training for insertions. Go each year to Roanoke for the Rescue Challenge. Their mission is to do a building assessment with the Initial Response Team to enable the main body to come in – serves as a quartering party. No amount of training could have prepared him for what he saw that day. The date of the attack was training some new people in the unit rescue techniques. After he heard about the second plane hitting the WTC began telling people to get ready. His squad was the initial response team. Carried enough tools to do an initial recon and help as many victims as they can. Items the squad use in the conduct of operations are self-contained breathing apparatus and air bags to lift items, as well as generators. Changed into rescue uniform and gathered up NBC gear, changing out training filters for an unknown environment. Briefed they would fly from Davidson to McNair. Staged to McNair until the tactical situation was clear. Waited at McNair for several hours. Left McNair after 2 – 2 ½ hours after all planes were grounded. Started search on 2nd floor, with teams consisting of 3-4 soldiers. Second team found several victims, found the first ones who were dead. Biggest lesson learned for the platoon is that training will not be routine again for what they thought would never happened did occur.

NEIT – 121: 1LT John Rider, MDW Engineers, 10/17/01 (Smith) T/R, AA

1LT Rider arrived on site at 1400 on 11 Sep 01. He interacted with civil authorities and GO/NGOs.

Former enlisted in finance who graduated from OCS at Ft. Benning, GA. Was working at home that day, received the first page after the WTC was hit. The problem for the Engineers was once when they arrived on site it was difficult to ascertain who had C2 of the site. Talked about the unit basic load and how HUMMVs carried a quick response load and have 2 HEMMTS loaded and ready to go. Mentions how Home Depot and Lowe’s donated equipment and lumber until the logistical system kicked in for ordering. Spoke that in his opinion morale was low in the unit since all they did was train for a mission that never would happen. Problem facing the unit is that since it is the only real unit on post it picks up all the detail duties. Mentioned how some victims reminded them of Rescue Randy the dummy they use to train, that the flesh had become rubberized in texture.

NEIT – 122: SGT Justin Due, MDW Engineers, 10/17/01 (Smith), AA

SGT Due is an equipment manager with extensive knowledge in rescue equipment.

Serves as the unit’s special equipment manager, a logistical support person who works somewhat like an armorer. Their habitual relationship with other units and knowing their equipment from training with them was a big positive for that day. Alerted via pager and phone since he was home on sick call. Fairfax County equipment truck was not onsite and so lent out equipment to be used. Unit and equipment is mirrored after Fairfax 1 so that there is some interchangeability among equipment and personnel (think in terms of plug and play). Felt the training up to that time set them up for success with the only proviso being personnel having to deal with dead victims.

Spoke to the types of equipment like Stanley saw, a hydraulic saw that cuts through concrete and other equipment used by the unit. Spoke to training dealing with the packaging of patients and rappelling. On the day of the attack was on the way to Quantico for funeral detail. Recalled after going to funeral and gave widow the flag. He was notified by pager that all unit members wear for such an emergency. Had a police escort back to ensure rapid return to the unit. Staged out of the motor pool and linked up with the equipment. Set along side the road. Stunned by the visual impact of the site once the convoy arrived. Spoke to room search methodology from left to right. Spoke in great detail about the painting marking system. Found one victim on the second floor – spray-painted around them and called info out. No differences in victims between first and second floor. Believed they found 3 victims total that day – none were alive. Could identify areas by smell – where the nose of the plane went through it was pieces here and there – no victims were whole. Impact was psychological since everyone knew somebody who works in the Pentagon or knows someone who did. Daily debriefings were done by chaplains. Habitual relationship of having trained with all the local rescue services paid dividends here and that chains of command and authority were familiar to all. McDonald’s and the Red Cross were there on site and that made it nicer. Did not understand why they had to stay in the gym on a cot when others got to go home or were put up in hotels. Training with Montgomery County previously made it easier to accept civilian authority. It was expected that the building could come down anytime – hence it took 3-4 days to work forward to the nose of the plane. Deployment did not happen immediately as there are other sites with higher priority, so the unit waited to assess the tactical situation. During down cycle buses were utilized to send families up. FBI gave out cell phones from CINEGLAR to use for soldiers to call their families.

SGT Godbehere provides interesting observations of victim search and of the marking system employed by all to systematically comb the structure. Talked about finding victims by smell.

Came into the Army for field Artillery but was reclassified at Ft. Drum into heavy equipment. Serves as a rescue team leader with 3 EMT’s in the platoon. All have been trained in horizontal and vertical rescue training and extraction. Spoke to patient packaging, how the victim is assessed and moved from the harm. Trained in Golden Eagle exercises with Montgomery/Arlington, Fairfax where they train in the conduct of rescue and shoring operations. The unit trains to 72-hour continuous ops in these excercises. Great detail on how an operation is conducted from their training from before you enter through entry. Was working on gate access control when heard of WTC. Next heard the Pentagon was hit from FM traffic. Pager went off for alert of all MDW Engineer personnel. Description of rescue uniform given. Arrived at the Pentagon 1300 @ - had civilian and MP escort with clear road. Parked away from the site b/c of possible vibration of the heavy equipment they have with them. Spoke about how to track folks and commo used in the operations in the building. Good detailed description of the interior of the Pentagon. Spoke about the smell of burnt flesh and how they could start locating victims by smell. Good description of marking of areas by paint and detail on the system. Spoke to the conduct of a room search by the team. Team found about 20 victims. Worked with TN TF 1 NM TF 1, Arlington and Montgomery County. Detailed different type of shoring and what they found out different from previous operations (Crib shoring, crib beds and wood types). Spoke to unit basic loads for an operation of this type since wood comes with the unit on the HEMMTS. Wood was delivered to Helipad after structural enginners assessed damage and vibration. Found need for different equipment like Bobcats for rescue operations.

SGT Stewart is a battalion carpenter and structural specialist in charge of safety and shoring. Also an EMT but skills were not needed.

Abstract: SGT Michael Stewart is the battalion carpenter with the MDW Engineers. He was on gate guard on Fort Belvoir at the time of the attack on the Pentagon and was recalled to his unit to get ready to move to the Pentagon to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts there. When he arrived he was immediately tasked to assist in surveying the damage area and begin the process of shoring the building to stabilize the building and make it safe for the recovery teams. He worked many hours strait to accomplish his mission. He had very little involvement in the actual recovery of remains from the attack site.

He talked about his training and how he put it to use while at the Pentagon.

SGT Noe was a rescue team leader and was on the rescue squads to enter the building and help clear rubble and identify remains. Interview concentrates mainly on utilization of training.

Abstract: SGT Kenneth Noe was a rescue team leader with the MDW Engineers. He felt that he was fairly proficient at what he had to do to successfully carry out his mission at the Pentagon. He was in route to Quantico for a funeral when he heard that the WTCs were stuck. They were preparing to continue with the funeral when the Pentagon was struck. They were recalled shortly after to prepare for the mission.

The convoy left a couple of hours after they arrived back at their battalion. When they got to the Pentagon they were shocked about actually have to be utilized even though they train for these contingency. He described the scene as total chaos when he first arrived.

His first mission was to set up their site to prepare for operations inside and for shoring the building when the fire was finally controlled. His second mission was to go on top of the roof of the Pentagon to cut ventilation holes in it. He remembers the profound amount of heat that was coming from the holes they cut.

After he returned to the ground they began setting up stations to prepare lumber that was being used for shoring operations.

He was put on the day shift and led his L“e”RT (Light Rescue Team) into the Pentagon to search through the debris for human remains. He had a very graphic description of finding the burned pieces of humans that were unrecognizable. They frequently had to ask the FBI to help identify the pieces.

NEIT – 127: SGT Carl Rogers, MDW Engineers, 10/19/01 (Lapic) T/R, AA

SGT Rogers is a member of the support platoon and provided motor pool services at the Pentagon camp unity.

Abstract

SGT Carl Rogers is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. SGT Roger of the Support Platoon of the MDW Engineers assisted in the support vehicle and motor pool activities. Give some limited information on equipment requests.

PFC McCormick was a light rescue team member. He assisted in searching the attack area, but did not want to talk.

Abstract: PFC Ryan McCormick was not interested in giving an interview. He felt that he was being coerced by his peers and command to entertain us. He was not involved with the attack other than driving to the scene. Since he was the youngest member of the motor pool staff, he was tasked with nearly 24 hour vehicle watch which suited him just fine. There were no notable vehicle problems and nothing else of relevance occurred.

SGT Barton is a maintenance mechanic for the vehicles used by the MDW Engineers. He largely stayed with the vehicles and equipment. Otherwise, he wasn’t involved and didn’t want to discuss it.

Abstract: SGT Barton Ray is a maintenance mechanic for the MDW Engineers. He was not involved with the rescue and recovery and since the vehicles needed no maintenance he had little to do. He did not want to discuss his experiences and other than for him being on the scene, he probably had little to actually do. He did touch on the topic of the preparations for the trip out that day but again there seemed to be no notable event that occurred.

A squad member of the LRP, SGT Schenfield was on his 2nd day of OJT. He also acted as a driver and worked with 12th Aviation and engineers.

Abstract

SGT Andrew Schenfield, is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. The MDW Engineers had just started a comprehensive training class that had started the day before. SGT Schenfield was in his second day of this training Though he had been a member of the, 3d Squad, Light Response Platoon, MDW Engineer company, for four months, this was his first training session. On 9/11 He drove a HEMTT to the Pentagon in a convoy of Engineers. His duties were limited to helping supply equipment for other members.

SGT Taylor provided an emotional account of his reactions to the disaster. He also provided input about the “Golden Eagle” training event held annually with area civilian rescue teams. :

Abstract: SGT Taylor provided an emotional account of his reactions to the disaster. He also provided input about the “Golden Eagle” training event held annually with area civilian rescue teams. This event according to him teaches area rescue teams how to work together in a disaster environment, and helps participants learn how to better utilize resources in the event of such a disaster and the response of those tasked with doing so. Interview was conducted 19 October 2001.

CPT Barta discusses route issues and training. Driven to site with MDW Commander MG Jackson. Spoke to the command and control of his heavy rescue company’s efforts in their search and rescue efforts at the attack site.

Commander is a West Point graduate with an Airborne background, a rough terrain platoon leader that clears an area to create a drop zone. Heard about the WTC on the way to work, and then became aware of the second attack. Seconds after the Pentagon was hit the unit received a call. Unit had never participated in any type of real world deployment or mission due to legal reasons. Stated mission is to provide support to the NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION to conduct search and rescue of collapsed building and secure classified areas. CPT Barta deployed out early with Initial Response Team by helicopter from Davidson Army AF. The XO and 1SG moved the company up the GW Parkway. Had to use a different route since normal route was a problem because of traffic. Ironic as it turned out that going through Alexandria worked out – took a calculated risk because of equipment load and height issues. He arrived at Ft. McNair about 1100, taken to the Pentagon by MG Jackson the MDW Commander. Linked up with the central command post, informed them that his unit was on the way and asked where should they deploy. Commented at how quickly the area seemed to respond by the number of personnel on site. Unit arrived on site he thinks about 1400. Recon team got inside and found that the heat and smoke were their biggest challenges. The recon team saw a number of bodies but no signs of life. Gave good physical desciption of damage by ring. Found that the shoring needed quickly depleted the HEMMT of 6 X 6’s for the first shoring of the corner. Worked with Home Depot and other contractors who went out of their way to help out. At first could just called and they would deliver lumber. Quickly exceeded the impact card of $2,500 single limit, and got it bumped up to $100,000 due to good work of the S4. For training purposes, the attack shows you need to do it as a company level task rather than just individual soldier tasks. Spoke about the one soldier in his command who lost a family member in the attack. According to him this only served to raise morale. Brought out the fact that his command had the perception that the Old Guard was given more credit for the operation than those who did the rescue work. He went into the building on the second day with his 1SG to get eyes on to understand what the soldiers were facing in their efforts. Pushed soldiers through debriefing with the chaplains and mental health personnel on a daily basis. Their End State was determined by the complete shoring of the building and stabilization of the building so that civilian personnel could begin clearing debris once it was determined that all victims were recovered. Vivid desciption of plane impact – punched through a hole 10-15 feet in diamater, many fires back in that area. The back area was very black due to the smoke damage. There were no large plane chunks found, that only by a hand search could you found much of the plane. The largest piece found intact was the plane’s landing gear. Back wall bordering the C Ring was stacked with body parts. According to survivors that he spoke to a gigantic fireball went down the hallways.

SGT Erdelyi was on the shoring party of the LRP. Duties also took him to the roof of Pentagon. He also assisted Firemen there in gaining access to the fire.

Abstract

SGT Timothy Erdelyi is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He was a team leader and acting 3d Squad leader of the Light Rescue Platoon. On day one he went to the roof of the Pentagon and assisted firemen there in cutting holes in the Pentagon roof for firemen to inspect for the spreading fire and to put out fires. On day two, he did shoring duties to support the damaged sections of the Pentagon. Gives details of those two days.

SPC Monet, MDW Rescue Engineers, worked at the scene to recover remains and assist with the gathering of evidence. Pride in his unit and training. Motivation to find survivors. Heartfelt account of incident.

SGT Mohabie – Rescue Team Leader, MDW Rescue Engineers, Fort Belvoir VA. On initial response team that deployed first. Good description of crime scene. Discusses prior training and preparation as well as equipment used for mission.

SGT Oakes gave an assessment about the engineers’ training and how it helped them to be able to go into the Pentagon as “first to go in” and dealing with the stress of being on the ground to perform rescue missions.

Abstract: SGT Oakes was preparing to go to a funeral detail at Quantico Cemetery when he learned of the attacks. He returned to his unit, where the soldiers began staging equipment for the move to the Pentagon. He offers a brief discussion of the unit’s rescue efforts at the Pentagon. SGT Oakes gave an assessment about their training and how it helped them deal with the stress of performing rescue missions. Interview was conducted 19 October 2001.

SPC Flick worked at the scene to recover remains and assist with the gathering of evidence. Very intense information. Great young soldier perspective. Expressed his disappointment in not rescuing anyone. Good description of work conditions.

NEIT – 138: CPL Timothy Hickes, MDW Engineers, 10/17/01 (Majors), AA

CPL Hicks worked at the scene to recover remains and assist with the gathering of evidence. Good information on Pentagon structure and of support at the site. Interesting story about “M&M” dispenser. Deployment time-line.

SGT Todd Newcomer gives a good junior leader perspective of mission. Training and preparation for mission. Speed of deployment. Mission execution and support at the site.

SGT Todd Newcomer – Team Leader MDW Rescue Engineers, Fort Belvoir VA is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provides some background information and talks about the training and preparation for mission. Discusses how they prepared their equipment and what type of equipment their platoon (Heavy Equipment). Speed of deployment – about 20 minutes. Described preparing for that mission as “Practiced for the Super Bowl but never getting to go”. Mission execution and support at the site. Talked about coping with what his soldiers had to go through in the recovery. Discussed his family’s reaction.

SFC Steffenhagen , Platoon Sergeant MDW Rescue Engineers, brings up good information on C2 and training value. Explains the Green, Yellow and Red zones at the scene to control access and soldier safety.

SGT Mimms provides a vivid account of a Light Rescue and confined rescue team member in action. Articulate and well spoken about the recovery mission.

Abstract: SPC Mark A. Mims is a Light Rescue Team member with the MDW Engineers. He specializes in confined space rescue. He was a combat engineer before coming to Fort Belvoir where he was further trained in the light rescue and confined space rescue. He felt that his training was very good and was utilized well at the Pentagon attack site.

He heard about the WTC being struck on his way to a class. He heard about the Pentagon attack later when he was in school. They were planning to continue their class but about 5 minutes later they all got recalled. Within thirty minutes they were ready to be dispatched to the Pentagon. The engineers were the first unit to arrive with all of their light rescue equipment on site.

They did not get to go into the building until later that night. They were not able to rescue anyone who did not get out within the first hour. They spent ten days in their efforts to recover victims. He felt that his training as a soldier helped with the efficiency of their efforts, which made

them faster in their recovery missions than some of the civilian agencies.

He was a little upset with his higher echelon who was not trained and were going on “sight seeing” tours inside of the building. They hindered the recovery efforts and endangered themselves and the rescuers by their lack of training.

SPC Overholt, Heavy Rescue team member, provides a good account of the recovery efforts. Well spoken and detailed.

Abstract: SPC Dustin Overholt is a member of the Heavy Rescue Team for the MDW Engineers. He was trained in the operation of heavy equipment. He reenlisted for the MDW Engineers to learn how to do search and rescue. He went to the two week rescue training course, EMT course and Structure Specialist School.

He was on a four man rescue/recovery team while at the Pentagon. He explained the different specialized equipment that was used in the recovery efforts. He did not know of the attacks prior to his beeper recalling him to his company. He fell in on his pre-staged equipment and waited until they were released to move out. Approximately two hours passed before they moved out.

He was a little apprehensive about being involved in the first real world mission the unit has ever done. Everyone was still in shock about the attack happening to such an extent.

When they first arrived the scene was chaotic, but soon smoothed out. He was soon sent in to perform searches on the south side of the impact area. They found no survivors on their initial or sub sequential sweeps of the building. He also participated in body removal, clearing rubble and shoring the structure.

Abstract: SPC Norwood of the MDW Engineers did not wish to discuss his involvement with the rescue and recovery mission from the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. He felt he was being pressured to speak against his will and the interview quickly ended before it began.

SGT Tallada was on a light rescue team that entered the Pentagon on a steady rotation for recovery purposes. This is a yes/no type of interview.

Abstract: SGT Fred Tallada is a light rescue team leader with the MDW Engineers. This interview was relatively short since he would not elaborate on any of the questions with more than a few words that were either yes/no or the minimum possible to answer the question. No significant details were given to describe his involvement.

A heavy equipment operator for MDW Engineers, SPC Champagne mainly worked on shoring the building. Interview contains little of interest.

Abstract: SPC Christopher Champaign is a heavy equipment operator and on a light rescue team with the MDW Engineers. He was on gate guard duty when he heard about the attack on the Pentagon. The interview followed a yes/no format and was not very descriptive. He was put on a detail to support the shoring effort of the structure. There was little of interest in the interview.

SGT Hicks worked extensively on shoring the building as well as recovery. Believes that the horrors faced in recovery efforts should also be address when training for rescue. Articulate descriptions of the operation.

Abstract: Sgt Demetrius Hicks discussed how the basis of his light rescue training was utilized in the recovery efforts and how that training should be adjusted now that they finally had a real world mission. He thinks that they should also be trained more on shoring and securing fallen and damage structures.

He also believes that some of their heavy equipment should be changed to equipment that can be used in the environments that they work in. Their bucket trucks and dozers are designed for use in tactical areas and not in and around large fallen structures. They also do not have the ability to lift heavy objects.

He was on his way to Quantico, VA for a funeral detail when they began hearing reports of the terrorist attacks. The detail was just about to enter Quantico when the beepers began to go off and they were recalled to Fort Belvoir. Due to the amount of traffic that was backed up they needed to get a police escort.

When he reached the Pentagon he was taken back by the damage. The scene at first was chaotic as the rescue units began to pull in and due their own thing. When the FBI arrived they began organizing the scene.

He soon was inside the Pentagon sweeping the hallways and rooms looking for bodies and hoping to find survivors. He worked in this capacity for several days and took turns helping to shore up the building to help stabilize the structure.

SFC Burrel concentrated on keeping equipment refueled during the ten days at Pentagon.

Abstract: SSG Roy Burrel is the Motor Sergeant with the MDW Engineers. He was in charge of overseeing the maintenance of the vehicles. They were able to get all the vehicles they needed for the mission at the Pentagon. He was at home when the airplanes struck the WTC. He was paged to come to off of leave to help prep the vehicles when the Pentagon was struck. He did not know that it was hit until after he arrived at the engineer’s headquarters.

After several hours the unit was released to proceed to the Pentagon where they arrived in short order. On the first day he helped out were he could (putting up tents, positioning equipment, etc). After the first day he had little to do except keep track of fuel levels since very few people had access to fuel on the site. He did get to go in the building on sort of a tour basis, but mainly concentrated on logistical issues with his vehicles.

SSG James Fancher – Duty NCO for Ft McNair MPs at time of attack. Took initiative to increase security there. Two of his soldiers on duty witnessed plane hit Pentagon.

Abstract

SSG James Fancher is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He was the NCOIC of the 204th MPs on duty at the time of the Pentagon attack at Ft McNair, DC.. Though he did not witness the attack, two of his MPs from 3d Platoon on patrol did witness it. Not getting direction from his chain-of-command, SSG Fancher initiated a 100% ID check and appropriate actions for the state of THREATCON he perceived. Guidance finally came from SFC Capasso, Provost Sgt to lock-down the post. Only later did he ever have contact with an officer in his chain-of-command.

PFC Cayton deployed from Fort Polk to Ftor NcNair after 9/11 to help bolster security.

Abstract

PFC James Cayton is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. As a member of the 258th MP Co, he was stationed at Ft. Polk on 9/11. He was ordered to a TDY to Ft McNair, DC, to support the 204th MP Co. there. Pleasant individual, but didn’t have much to add to the record at the time.

1LT Douglas (West Point Grad) gave a good account of the overall mission at the Pentagon.

Abstract: 1LT Robert F. Douglas discusses his military career and then the types of equipment within this engineer rescue company (e.g., reciprocating saws and steel-cutting torches that burn at 10,000 degrees) and the special skills of the personnel. He discusses the training program in some detail, including cooperative training with civilian rescue agencies in the metropolitan area. He then describes how he learned of the attacks on the Pentagon and his work within the battalion headquarters, communicating with MDW during the initial hours after the attacks. The interview concludes with a brief discussion of the scene upon arrival at the Pentagon and the work of the soldiers in the rescue and recovery operations in the rubble at the Pentagon, including the removal of bodies and working with other law enforcement and rescue agencies. Interview was conducted 17 October 2001.

1LT Fuhr provided information on the training the engineers receive. He also described the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival.

Abstract: 1LT Fuhr provided information on the training the engineers receive. He also described the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival. 1LT Fuhr described the types of equipment specific to the MDW Engineer Company such as Small Emplacement Excavators (SEEs), and the types of training necessary not only to be able to operate the equipment, but to respond in short notice with the equipment in place. He also talked about their training in rescue situations, and how they trained with other civilian agencies. Interview was conducted 17 October 2001.

Abstract: SPC Jarrett spent time overseas in Korea. He also spoke primarily about his training as an engineer and the types of schooling they attend in order to become qualified as a member of the MDW Engineer Company. He mentioned the different types of skills attained while in these schools and how they [the skills] are put to use in emergency situations. There wasn’t a lot of useful information from this interview. Interview was conducted 17 October 2001.

Abstract: SPC Roberts spoke primarily about his training as an engineer and the types of schooling they attend in order to become qualified as a member of the MDW Engineer Company. He also mentioned the different types of skills attained while in these schools and how they [the skills] are put to use in emergency situations. There wasn’t a lot of useful information from this interview. Interview was conducted 17 October 2001.

Abstract: SPC Rader spoke primarily about his training as an engineer and the types of schooling they attend in order to become qualified as a member of the MDW Engineer Company. He also mentioned the different types of skills attained while in these schools and how they [the skills] are put to use in emergency situations. There wasn’t a lot of useful information from this interview. Interview was conducted 17 October 2001.

Abstract: SP4 Welch spoke of his skills and training as an airborne engineer, and how it has helped him in his training to be a vertical rescue team member with the MDW Engineer Company. He also spoke about their intensive training with the various cutting tools and other heavy equipment they use to cut through concrete and steel beams to get to a victim if needed in a rescue situation. There wasn’t a whole lot of useful information from this interview outside of the equipment/tools information. Interview was conducted 17 October 2001.

SPC Johnson was a heavy equipment operator, assigned to the MDW Engineer Rescue Company. After briefly describing her training, she notes that on the morning of 11 September she was detailed to the MDW Emergency Operations Center. During the interview she describes the response at the EOC to the attacks, and her activities during the immediate crisis. The interview concludes with a brief description of the scene at the Pentagon upon her arrival that afternoon.

SPC Mills provides basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers receive. He also described the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival.

SPC Mills provides basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers receive. He also described the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival.

Abstract: SPC Mills spoke of his skills and MOS training as a member of the MDW Engineer Company. He also talked about the intensive training the group uses and how it was useful in the 9-11 rescue situation. He also mentioned the attack scene at the Pentagon. There wasn’t a whole lot of useful information from this interview except the attack scene at the Pentagon. Interview was conducted 18 October 2001.

SSG Nelson provided basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers receive. He also described the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival and the equipment they used to perform their mission.

Abstract: SSG Nelson begins with a description of the training, tools, and equipment of this unit, with an emphasis upon some of the unique training programs for performing their rescue duty. He then describes how his unit learned of the attacks on 11 September and the movement to the Pentagon. He interview concludes with a brief discussion of the scene at the Pentagon and the rescue efforts of the members of this company. Interview was conducted 18 October 2001.

SGT White provided basic information on the search and rescue scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival and the equipment they used to perform their mission from a mechanic’s point-of-view. He also spoke about “body removal.”

Abstract: SGT White provided basic information on the search and rescue scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival and the equipment they used to perform their mission from a mechanic’s point-of-view, including the “on-site repairs” made to equipment such as the air/hydraulic tools, bucket loaders, and heavy trucks with cranes. This gave good insight into things logistically since the equipment was used to help shore up the foundations of the Pentagon floors and walls as the fire and rescue personnel maneuvered through the crash site looking for survivors, and later combed the area for the victims. He also spoke about the special mechanics skills needed to run the engineer equipment and the daunting task of casualty notification and removal. Although their normal training was useful to prepare them for the tasks they had to perform, he also spoke of the need to train on more types of buildings and the need for them top collapse things to get the proper training necessary to be able to perform in such conditions if it ever happens again. Interview was conducted 18 October 2001.

SSG Campbell provided valuable information on the search and rescue scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival and the training they received with civilians to do their jobs. He was very emotional and visibly disturbed by some of the information being asked about the casualty removal.

Abstract: SSG Campbell provided valuable information on the search and rescue scene at the Pentagon upon the MDW Engineer’s arrival and the training they received with civilians to do their jobs. He was visibly disturbed by some of the information being asked about the casualty removal. It was very emotional. He spoke about the lessons learned from the events of 9-11, and how it was difficult for the soldiers to deal with the removal of bodies from the scene. Interview was conducted 18 October 2001.

Abstract: SFC Melendez provided basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers received to do their jobs. When asked about the lessons learned from that day, he also talked about how it would be good if the military and civilian support agencies would work together in some type of joint training exercises so they would be able to work better together in an emergency situation. He also spoke about the problems they had with communications. Interview was conducted 18 October 2001.

NEIT – 166: 1SG Raymond Gould, MDW Engineers, 10/19/01 (Dover), AA

1SG Gould provided extremely valuable information on the search and rescue scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival and the training they received with civilians to do their jobs. He spoke of the emotional stress of the soldiers who were visibly disturbed by the casualty removal. Very emotional.

Abstract: 1SG Gould provided extremely valuable information on the search and rescue scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival and the training they received with civilians to do their jobs. He spoke of the emotional stress of the soldiers who were visibly disturbed by the casualty removal. His interview responses were very emotional and extremely important to document. Interview was conducted 19 October 2001.

Abstract: SP4 Klannukarn provided basic information about being a member of the MDW Engineer Company and spoke of his skills and the training necessary to become a member of the unit. He also talked about the intensive training the group uses and how it was useful in the 9-11 rescue situation. He mentioned the scene at the Pentagon and the lessons they learned from the event. There wasn’t a whole lot of useful information from this interview except the scene at the Pentagon and lessons learned. Interview was conducted 19 October 2001.

1LT Ruffin oversaw the implementation of force protection for Fort McNair and other security. Helped integrate incoming resources for best utilization.

Abstract: 1LT Jason Ruffin is the Deputy Provost Marshall for FMMC as well as 3rd Platoon Leader for Ft. Myer Military Police stationed on Fort McNair. Since 9/11 his duties shifted from Deputy Provost Marshal duties to base security on Fort McNair. On 9/11, they were augmented by members from 3rd Infantry who were replaced by MP’s from the 204th MP Co. out of Fort Polk, LA.

He was at AP Hill on a range when he first heard about the attacks on the WTC. When the Pentagon was struck, his Platoon was immediately recalled. He discussed the problems returning due to the gridlock the highway system was experiencing. When he returned to Fort Myer, he was dispatched as back to Fort McNair as the OIC of Force Protection.

When he returned to Fort McNair his NCO’s already had the barriers in place as well as all the other contingency plans implemented. He immediately inspected the post to make sure it was locked down tight. The biggest issue was the lack of manpower available to implement full THREATCON D scenario. He identified the problems quickly and got most of the equipment needed in a timely manner.

NEIT – 169: Lawrence Foster, DCSPRO, 10/23/01 (Shellenberger), AA

Mr. Foster is a program analyzer for the DSCPRO office working on focused logistics. Evacuated Pentagon. Not injured. Interview focused on setting up the office after 9/11.

Abstract: Mr. Lawrence Foster was the program analyst for FDL (Force Development Focused Logistics) for the DCSPRO office. His duties focuses on budgetary issues at the integration office and coordinate the data throughout the division. Major issues: modernization, unit set fielding and investment strategy.

On the morning of 9/11 he was in a division meeting. He heard a very large, rumbling pounding through the building not unlike an earthquake followed by a loud “KABOOM”. He gave a very good description of the initial experience and the sub sequential escape. He thought originally it was a gas line explosion. He did not know that they were under terrorist attack until about noon that day. COL Tedesco said that everyone should evacuate. He did not return to work until the following Monday.

He went back to work in the Taylor building. He was issued a computer that day and was reconnected to the net two days later. He lost only a limited amount of information on the server and all the hard, working files are being reconstituted as needed.

He returned to his prior workspace and recovered as much as possible, though most of the items were heavily damaged from smoke and water.

Ms. Bushway, a principle analyst for Pentagon contractor working out of the ODSCPRO, she gives an emotional interview about evacuation and the return to work in the following days. Was not injured.

Abstract: Ms. Patricia Bushway is a Principle Analyst for JB&A Inc. for Force Development of Logistics. Her office was in room 2C537 of the Pentagon. She was in a meeting when the building was struck. She was not aware of the events at the WTC until she had evacuated the Pentagon.

She felt the impact of the airplane and thought it was a gas main that was hit by the renovators due to the size of the explosion. She felt the impact of the airplane going through the walls of the Pentagon and discussed the damage it caused to her office and the sub sequential evacuation through the courtyard to North Parking and the across the highway to the river.

She could not believe that the attacks were happening. She thought it was only a matter of time before a plane would hit the Pentagon with the airport runways in line with it. She was told to go home as best she could and they would be contacted when to come back. She had left all of her personal items in the Pentagon and had no money or keys with her. She talked about the trials of getting home with the transportation infrastructure grid locked from the attack. She did not get back to work until Friday.

She had a very descriptive account of the emotions she was going through when she first seen the Pentagon and the first time she went inside. She also discussed at length the psychological effect it had on her and the people around her.

Mr. Batmanglidg evacuated without incident and assisted the Red Cross for the next several days. Remembers the explosion in great detail.

Abstract: Kiyalan Batmanglidg was working in his office for JBNA, Inc in the ODCSPRO when the attack occurred. After a horrendous explosion, which he describes in great detail, he evacuated his office with his fellow workers without incident or injury. After he evacuated, he immediately signed on to the Red Cross tent to help assist in the endeavors for the next several days. He had an interesting insight in the attack and the events that followed while the were piecing there office back together after it was gutted by fire.

He was born in Iran and immigrated with his family to America when he was very young. He had a successful tour with the US Army and was still in the Reserves at the time of the interview.

Mr. Robert Sipe of SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation), Inc. was working in the ODCSPRO (Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs) when the attack on 9/11 occurred. The interview focused on his return to work and the necessity of reconstituting lost files while getting back on line.

Abstract: Mr. Robert Sipe of SAIC working out of the ODCSPRO in room 2C531 was in a meeting when the attack occurred. He was not aware of the other attacks on when the airplane struck the Pentagon. He was very descriptive of the attack and the evacuation.

He did not learn of the attacks until he was in the courtyard when DPS (Defense Protective Service) told them to get out of the Pentagon and away from the area because another airplane was inbound. He thought everything was surreal as he was walking through the Pentagon and learning of the events that happened that day.

He walked to downtown Washington to his old office and there it finally set in the gravity of the situation. He did wish that he stayed and helped out more after the attack, but thinks he would probably just be in the way.

He did discuss the recovery of information and the reconstitution of the files. At the time of the interview they were only operating at 75%. They were still not in a permanent office and did not have the resources available to fully access all of their files and get back to work.

Shaun R. Hickey is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. His name is Richard Shaun Hickey, but goes by Shaun. He is in the G-8, DCSPRO – FDL office and was located at 2C537 on 9/11. They were in a staff meeting on 9/11 when they heard the explosion in their office. They evacuated towards C ring 5th corridor. He saw Robert Dodson at the door. They helped a woman with heart problems. They attempted to enter the D ring and went down various corridors. He was upset because they ended up crawling out due to the heavy smoke and feels that there were people that they may have been able to reach. At another corridor between rings he joined part of a team and took turns digging a hole and using fire extinguishers to put out a fire in the hole. They could hear voices in the hole. They were unable to rescue anyone there. He ended up spending time in the center court yard and was relieved by soldiers of the TOG in the late afternoon. In an AAR he recommended fire hoses. He said that extinguishers were not enough. Said the water stations should have hoses. He also recommends a contingency operation plan for the department. Also suggests disaster training.

NEIT – 174: Mr. Ronald Summerlin, ODCSPRO, 10/23/01 (Lofgren) T

Summerlin was in a meeting when the plane struck, with the concussion vector moving directly under his office. (See picture in Oct 01 issue of Soldiers.) The noise reminded him of artillery from Vietnam. He describes the evacuation and subsequent return, weeks later, to the office to retrieve personal effects.

NEIT – 175: Ms Denise Rawlings, ODCSPRO, 10/23/01 (Lofgren) T

Rawlings was in a meeting when the plane struck, with the concussion vector moving directly under her office. (See picture in Oct 01 issue of Soldiers.) She describes the evacuation, and notes that she was quite shaken. She did not return to the office to retrieve personal effects.

NEIT – 176: Mr. Tom Bortner, ODCSPRO, 10/23/01 (Lofgren) T

Bortner was in a meeting when the plane struck, with the concussion vector moving directly under his office. (See picture in Oct 01 issue of Soldiers.) He describes the evacuation and subsequent return, weeks later, to the office to retrieve personal effects. He also describes how the old-fashioned Venetian blinds absorbed the gust of blast-driven window glass.

NEIT – 177: MAJ Majorie McCants, ODCSPRO, 10/23/01 (Lofgren) T

MAJ McCants was in a meeting when the plane struck, with the concussion vector moving directly under her office. (See picture in Oct 01 issue of Soldiers.) It was her second day on the job. She describes the evacuation and briefly discusses her subsequent job as a Casualty Assistance Officer.

NEIT – 178: Ms Martha Carden, ODCSPER, 10/29/01 (Lofgren) T

The Assistant XO for ODCSPER, Carden was in the biweekly XO’s meeting in 2E487 when the plane hit. Two people in the room were killed by the blast. Carden escaped by following LTC Grunewald and crawling out through the ODCSPER area under horrific conditions.

SPC Jesse Tellez is a Medical Specialist with the Medical Platoon, HHC 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard. He gave a technical account of the support provided by the medical staff on 9/11 and the sub sequential days that followed in support of the 3rd Infantry in their efforts in the recovery.

Abstract: SPC Jesse Tellez is a Medical Specialist with the Medical Platoon, HHC 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard.

On 9/11, he was on marching rehearsal for GEN Shelton’s retirement when he heard a loud explosion. They continued with the drill and ceremony practice when someone yelled over that the Pentagon was hit so get off the parade field. He went to the aid station to help prep for support at the Pentagon. His vehicle would not start so he was put on a 24 hour watch at the aid station and did not rotate to the Pentagon until the 3rd day. He then was assigned to a decontamination tent, inspecting people as they were leaving the Pentagon and treating any minor injuries that may have occurred. He was on a 48 hour shift were they would work at the aid station for 48 hours, the Pentagon for 48 hours and then 48 hours to recover.

SPC James Cooper is attached to the Medical Platoon, HHC, 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard. He is assigned to a treatment squad. He describes his experiences and duties as a medic assigned to the Pentagon, but not in great detail.

Abstract: SPC James Cooper is attached to Treatment Squad, HHC Medical Plt, 3rd US Infantry. He was engaged in morning sick call when the WTC was struck by terrorist. He was sent to the motor pool to get a vehicle ready to support any contingencies that may occur. He heard an aircraft fly over louder than normal and a loud explosion. He learned shortly thereafter that the Pentagon was struck.

He was briefed and sent to the Pentagon. He was originally told to standby in case of mass casualty transport, but with enough civilian EMTs on site he wasn’t needed. They set up an aid station and then they were sent to guard corridor entrances to insure no unauthorized personnel entered the building.

He stayed at the Pentagon for approximately 10 days and he was put on a 48 hour rotation. 48 hours at the Pentagon, 48 hours at the Fort Myer Aid Station and 48 hours recovery. His duties at the Pentagon consisted of treating minor injuries from the soldiers of The Old Guard and handing out safety equipment to people entering the building.

SPC Gary Adams is a Medical Specialist with the Medical Platoon, HHC, 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard. He was assigned to his aid station on Fort Myer initially and did not rotate to the Pentagon until much later. Very little happened while he was on duty.

Abstract: SPC Gary Adams is a Medical Specialist with Medical Platoon, HHC, 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard. He was returning from morning PT to work when he learned about the WTC and shortly thereafter sirens started to go off all around and someone told him the Pentagon was struck by an aircraft. He was sent to the motor pool to help get their vehicles up and running. His vehicle was having mechanical problems so it was temporarily deadlined. He was assigned to his aid station on Fort Myer for the next three days. When he finally rotated to the Pentagon he was in awe of the size of the hole and how little it damaged the Pentagon. He was not involved to any great extent with the support operations at the Pentagon.

SPC Aneisha James – a medical specialist assigned to help with medical triage at the Pentagon site, she discusses training, preparation and mission.

SPC Aneisha James – 3rd Infantry Div (The Old Guard) Regimental Medical Treatment Clinic is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Soldier gives information on her background and her training. Talks about what type of medical treatment she could provide. Explains the difference in what medical care she could give military personnel verses a civilian casualty. She was working on the show, Spirit of American, when the attack happened. Some of the soldiers in her company saw the plane go over. Discusses the medics’ preparation to go to the Pentagon. Talks about what she took to the Pentagon. Explains how the Initial Response Team (IRT) is attached to another unit to react to a riot or other emergency. Relates the scene at the Pentagon when she and the medics arrived. Articulates the mission at the Pentagon. Relates her own emotions connected with the tragedy.

PFC Lori Hayes - 3rd Infantry Div (The Old Guard) Regimental Medical Treatment Clinic is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses her feelings concerning the attack. Talks about her training and how this was her first experience with “real” casualties. Her job was to work outside the Pentagon and give support to the Old Guard and Rescue Engineers in the recovery effort. Talks about how the work affected the soldiers. Discusses the support available for the soldiers on the scene. Relates how scary this was and how much more scary war must be. Also discusses the pride the American public has in the military and how proud her parents were. Relates how she sat and noticed how well built the Pentagon was.

PV2 Timothy Clark - 3rd Infantry Div (The Old Guard) Regimental Medical Treatment Clinic is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Talks a little about his family worrying about him. Discusses when he heard about the Pentagon and his preparation to go to the site. Basic information of medical specialist role. Information on the mission at the Pentagon. Fairly non-descript.

SPC Matthew Ferringer - 3rd Infantry Div (The Old Guard) Regimental Medical Treatment Clinic is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses some of his background and what his medical capabilities are. Talks about his training. Discusses his mission at the Pentagon site including insuring that the soldiers working inside were drinking enough water and properly decontaminating after leaving the building. Talks about the physical site at the Pentagon and who were his patients. Discusses how this event changed him and the country.

SFC Aaron Keener was attached to the Medical Platoon, HHC, 3rd Infantry, The Old Guard. He discussed issues ranging from the emotional impact and trauma of the people working at the Pentagon to communications between the teams. He had a very technical account of the support at the Pentagon and a very clear list of lessons learned.

Abstracts: SFC Aaron Keener, Platoon Sergeant with the Regimental Medical Clinic for the HHC, 3rd Infantry Division is interviewed by CPL Shellenberger, 304th MHD, concerning the 11 September attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provided extensive information on his background, military career and prior medical training. He related his initial response upon learning of the attack and discussed gaining accountability of his personnel, preparing equipment and identifying drivers. Talked about the reaction of his troops and the implementation of Force Protection measures. Discussed the deployment to the Pentagon and the communication on the site. Explained their mission at the site and some of the support elements available to the soldiers. Related the reconstitution of unit equipment and some of the lessons learned in terms of equipment and personnel needed.

The Chief of Army Community Service, Ms. Tuddenham provides an excellent perspective on Victim Crisis Center at Ft Myer and surrounding areas. Detailed account of family advocacy teams. Procedures for handling calls from family members trying to get information on victims.

SPC Eklund saw the plane go toward the Pentagon and then smoke rise up. He set up an aid station at the Pentagon on 11 September and treated firefighters. Beginning on 12 September he issued protective equipment to the personnel working inside the damaged area and treated patients with cuts and bruises.

SPC Eklund saw the plane go toward the Pentagon and then smoke rise up. He set up an aid station at the Pentagon on 11 September and treated firefighters. Beginning on 12 September he issued protective equipment to the personnel working inside the damaged area and treated patients with cuts and bruises. He provides a clear description of his duties on and after 11 September, particularly in setting up a first aide station, treating injured firefighters and members of the Old Guard. The injuries treated were mainly cuts and heat exhaustion.

PFC Chavez was at Fort A.P. Hill on 11 September. He describes his duties decontaminating rescue and recovery personnel coming out of the damaged area from 12 to 22 September (approximately).

PFC Chavez was at Fort A.P. Hill on 11 September. He describes his duties decontaminating rescue and recovery personnel coming out of the damaged area from 12 to 22 September (approximately). He gives a detailed description of the protective clothing the recovery teams wore and the decontamination procedures for both those who used the interior break area and those who departed the Pentagon the site at the end of their shift. He worked 48 hours on and 48 hours off at the Pentagon. His main focus was on members of the Old Guard, but decontaminated any worker that required it.

SPC Nickison was doing physical training and heard a low flying airplane and then “a thud.” He describes his duties in the regimental aid station at Ft. Myer on the 11th and distributing protective clothing at the Pentagon from 12 to 22 September (approximately).

SPC Nickison was doing physical training and heard a low flying airplane and then “a thud.” He describes his duties in the regimental aid station at Ft. Myer on the 11th and distributing protective clothing at the Pentagon from 12 to 22 September (approximately). He was responsible for requisitioning the Tyvek chemical suits, rubber boots, gloves, and 3M face masks that the soldiers wore inside the Pentagon. He also treated several soldiers and fire fighters for dehydration. He emotionally blocked out the disaster scene and focused on helping the soldiers and doing his job. He will always remember the troops carrying out the body bags.

SGT William R. Taggart, Medic HHC 3rd Infantry. Discussion in length what Medics performed while assisting the troops while they were suiting up in HAZMAT equipment and the sub sequential decontamination thereof.

COL Morehead was in his 3D450 (approx) office when the plane struck. He provides an account of the immediate post-crash/pre-collapse conditions in the E-ring where he searched for victims, his role in the group trying to rescue people in A&E drive, and his trip transporting a victim to and from a hospital.

NEIT – 196: COL Marcus Kuiper, ODCSOPS, 10/30/01 (Lofgren) T

From his 3D450 (roughly) office, COL Kuiper saw the fireball hit his window. He describes the evacuation process from ODCSOPS and provides details on the effects of the blast and fire on his office.

SGM Molofsky discusses her duties as the Army Liaison NCO at Virginia Hospital Center from 11 to 13 September and as the Personnel Effects Depot Sergeant Major at Ft. Myer, VA. She was not at the Pentagon on 11 September.

SGM Molofsky discusses her duties as the Army Liaison NCO at Virginia Hospital Center from 12 to 15 September and as the Personnel Effects Depot Sergeant Major at Ft. Myer, VA. She was not at the Pentagon on 11 September. She initially reported to the Washington Hospital Burn Center on 11 September and reported the names of the 13 victims admitted there to the Army Operation Center. She was sent to the Virginia Hospital Center to help the families of the five Army victims there and to act as liaison for visitors. She recounts the instructions she received from GEN John M. Keane concerning supporting the victim’s families.

She was assigned to the Personnel Effects Depot after the 54th and 311th Quartermaster (Mortuary Affairs) Companies arrived from Ft. Lee, VA, and Puerto Rico. LTC Cortez M. Puryear was assigned as the Depot commander. She provides a detailed description of the Depot’s organization and mission, and the new mission of returning personal effects of the living to them. She gives a step-by-step explanation of how an item is processed, cleaned, the owner identified, and returned to the owner or next of kin. She also addresses how the property of the airliner passengers was processed. This is an excellent interview and story of active duty and reserve soldiers working together to accomplish an important, but often overlooked mission.

NEIT – 198: LTC Robert Grunewald, ODCSPER, 11/02/01 (Rossow) T/R

LTC Grunewald was in the ODCSPER Conference Room attending the weekly XOs meeting when the plane struck. He describes his escape from the area leading several others to safety. He also describes the rescue of the ODCSPER servers and routers and subsequent reconstruction of the ODCSPER Local Area Network at the Hoffman Building.

COL Laufenberg describes the actions of his unit, The Old Guard, being employed in a tactical mission. He provides a good review of events at the Pentagon and command and control matters.

Abstract: In this two-part interview, Col. Laufenberg, the commander of the 3d Infantry (Old Guard), discusses almost every aspect of his regiment’s role in supporting the recovery efforts at the Pentagon. The interview begins with a description of the organization and missions of the 3d Infantry. He then describes how he learned of the attacks while visiting a nearby school, and quickly returned to his unit. The first hours after the Pentagon attack were characterized by confusion and uncertainty. Personnel remained in their barracks and performed security work at first. At 1600 hours on 11 September, the initial ready company (Company C) moved down to the Pentagon and to help secure the area. Later other members of the regiment performed security duty. As the situation clarified, the regiment assumed the mission of sending soldiers into the Pentagon to find and remove bodies. COL Laufenberg describes the grueling hours, and difficult conditions of the soldiers as they worked within the Pentagon. The efforts required soldiers to work longer than 12 hours on site, with additional time for getting to work. On the location they encountered the psychological stress of removing the bodies, combined with the physical dangers of hazardous fumes and potential building collapse. The protective equipment also contributed to the potential for heat injuries. The interview covers the commander's leadership philosophy and his work to maintain morale. He also covers the support from non-governmental organizations (Red Cross, Salvation Army) as well as donations from local businesses. Military chaplains and mental health professionals also provided support to the soldiers. Other parts of the interview describe the command relations, both external and internal. The MDW Engineer rescue company became OPCON to the 3d Infantry. He also describes his internal organization, and the role of his staff in providing the coordination and logistical support. His higher headquarters (MDW), performed most of the liaison work with higher levels in DoD, as well as interagency liaison. At the regimental level interagency relations were a matter of mutual cooperation. The interview concludes with a discussion of VIP visitors and media attention. He describes the awards process, and ends with a repetition of the praise for his soldiers.

CPT Congdon provided extremely valuable information on the preparations for scenarios such as this attack, the fears of patients, and the reassurance to both medics and patients. Also spoke about emotions.

Abstract: CPT Congdon provided extremely valuable information on the preparations for scenarios such as this attack, the fears of patients, and the reassurance to both medics and patients as the emergency response proceeded following the attack on the Pentagon. He also spoke about the many emotions from both the victims and the medical workers as they dealt with the victims of the attack. This was a very good interview. Interview was conducted 29 October 2001.

Abstract: – PV2 Frazer provided basic information on the medical teams response to the Pentagon site and the treatment of patients following the attack. He spoke of things needed with lessons learned about their work during the response and he also gave credit to the American Red Cross for their work efforts at the scene. He seemed a little shaken during the interview in having to talk about the events. Interview was conducted 29 October 2001.

Abstract: SPC Johnson provided basic information on the medical teams response to the Pentagon site and the treatment of patients following the attack. She talked about the types of equipment they used to do their mission to include vehicles and medical equipment such as the front line ambulances (FLAs). She also talked about the types of medications they were allowed to administer as medics, and spoke about the skills necessary to become a medic and how it was useful in the emergency response to have had that type of training. She also addressed the emotions about reacting to the events of that day and how it affected her and her co-workers. Interview was conducted 29 October 2001.

Mr. Gonzales provided extremely valuable information on the response of the Pentagon attack and to the casualty assistance his office provided “BEFORE” a family assistance center was set up. He was also very emotional due to ties with those lost.

Abstract: Mr. Gonzales provided extremely valuable information on the response of the Pentagon attack and to the casualty assistance his office provided “BEFORE” a family assistance center was set up. He was also visibly shaken and very emotional due to ties of those lost. A very good friend and co-worker of his, SGM Debra Strickland, lost her husband in the attack just short of his retirement. This was a very disturbing yet very important interview from the man responsible for the timely response to field all phone calls coming in and the records of the calls which were handed over to the casualty affairs once they were set up. Interview was conducted 29 October 2001.

As the Area Coordinator for Pentagon wedge-one for PENREN. Mr. Michael DiPaula was in Pentagon construction area during attack. Describes his escape and though was physically unharmed, but he says he was very shaken and is currently in extensive counseling.

Abstract

Mr. Michael DiPaula, is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. His position is Area Coordinator – Fill Out for PenRen (Pentagon Renovation, the 3-company consortium that is rebuilding the Pentagon in a phased program). He ensures that the needs and requests of tenants (people moving back into renovated offices) are met. His office was located next to wedge one in one of several trailers.

He is particularly upset because the destroyed wedge was just completed and that he had been working with many of the tenants who died. He tells several stories of the accounts of people who were trapped or escaped. One individual was blown into a utility closet and the door was slammed behind him protecting him from fire. Two contractors were blown backwards with a door acting as a shield to protect them. He has other stories but hesitates to tell them.

He also is critical of the lack of warning. He gives some lessons learned about the lack of security or x-ray machines in the second corridor. Tells how he sought mental health counseling. Good insight from a construction contractors point of view.

Mr. Mark Skipper - Ft Myer Fire Department. First hand account of the attack. Was at the heli-pad fire station and witnessed the attack. Suffered burn injuries but continued to help others. Fire truck destroyed during attack.

Abstract: CPT Gilroy included thoughts on possible loss of lives due to response efforts and actions (e.g., “ladder-pipe” and blast-proof glass). He spoke about the efforts of all units on the scene and how they fought the fire inside the Pentagon. CPT Gilroy also talked about a woman he saw who was so badly burned that he stopped and said a prayer for her as he passed her because he didn’t think she would make it. He covered all aspects of the Ft. Myer Fire Department response and explained how the call came into the dispatcher since the plane hit the building adjacent to the Fire Station area and destroyed the fire truck as the left wing clipped the truck. This is a very important interview! Interview was conducted 30 October 2001.

Abstract: Asst. Chief Thompson provided general information on the firefighting efforts and response of the Ft. Myer Fire Department following the attack on the Pentagon. He spoke about the training the firefighters go through and how their training helped them respond so quickly on 9-11. Interview was conducted 30 October 2001.

Abstract: Fireman Ladd provided general information on the firefighting efforts and response of the Ft. Myer Fire Department following the attack on the Pentagon. He spoke about the training the firefighters go through and how their training helped them respond so quickly on 9-11. Interview was conducted 30 October 2001.

NEIT – 213: MAJ John Schotzko, ODCSPRO-QDR, 10/31/01 (Lapic) T/R, AA

MAJ John Shotzko – Research analysts for Army QDR. Their office was severely damaged in the attack. He helped people to escape over wall of collapsed office of their office and assisted people out of the building.

Abstract

MAJ Schotzko is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is an Operations Research Analysist for the ODCSPRO-QDR(Quadrennial Review), which was located in office 1D536, the area of attack. Dust, ceiling tiles and equipment fell on office personnel. Office personnel, Danny Jamison was thrown to the wall and injured. COL Delaney, OIC, did accountability check. There was no escape except onto office furniture and over a wall thru the ceiling to the other side of the wall. MAJ Schotzko assisted in evacuation of his office and rescue effort of others in adjoining offices in the area. It was a group effort with CPT Oliver leading the way. (SEE all the QDR Interviews along with interviews with Shay Vannarath and Janice Jackson NEIT-643. Vannarath and Jackson were rescued by personnel from this office).

Key words

Escape, Army QDR, rescue

NEIT – 214: SPC April Gallop, NISA-TP, 10/31/01 (Lapic) T/R, AA

SPC April Gallop – Admin assistant in NISA 1E517. She took her infant to work because no day care was available that day. At time of attack her child was buried in building debris. Gallop pulled herself out of the wreckage and helped save someone also trapped. Together they found her child and were led up out of burning room through collapsed second floor to safety.

Abstract

SPC Gallop is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She was Admin Assistant in NISA (Network Infrastructure Services Agency). The day of 9/11, SPC Gallop was unable to get daycare for her child, and had not been able to find permanent daycare for him. She brought the infant to work at NISA in the Pentagon, room 1D542. She was just getting settled for the days activities and was just logged-onto the computer when the plane struck. She describes the terror of the sudden change from normalcy to the pitch-black darkness and chaos of the room. She was knocked to the floor and covered with ceiling tiles, wiring, and debris. Her description of her panic when she sees her child’s basinet is missing is vivid. She looks for the child by the light of a computer monitor. Part of the floor from above crashed into her office. A man calls out for help. She agrees to help him if he gives his help in locating her child. Together they find the child in his basinet safe under debris. Two enlisted soldiers come down the collapsed ceiling and lead them to safety.

She discusses her medical care by the Navy. She talks about her dissatisfaction with the lack of Army daycare and how the Navy made arrangements for her child’s daycare. She also discusses awards and financial assistance.

Keywords

Escape, rescued, child at work, childcare

Collapsed floor, NISA

NEIT – 215: CPT Darrell Oliver, ODCSPRO-QDR, 10/31/01 (Lapic) T/R, AA

CPT Oliver was knocked-out by falling objects at time of attack. He gained consciousness then realized they were trapped in their office, 1D536. He found a route out, rallied soldiers, helped carry people over blocking wall and went back in to search for others.

Abstract

CPT Darrell Olliver is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He works at the G-8, ODCSPRO-QDR. At the time the office was located at 1D536. CPT Oliver was indicated as a key person in the escape of the QDR personnel by most in that office. At the time of the attack, a falling object knocked-out CPT Oliver. When he came to, he sought out a way of escape to the trapped people there. He found that by stepping on office furniture, he could scale a partition wall and drop down into a room that led to the way out. He helped people over the wall. He carried several people who were either unable or unwilling to climb. He gives names of individuals in the account. He received an award for his heroism.

SFC Michael Coates was the operations sergeant with the MDW Engineers. He primarily worked logistic issues. He was responsible of keeping track of everyone entering and leaving the Pentagon.

Abstract: SFC Michael Coates is the Operations Sergeant for the MDW Engineers. This is the first time he has been in an administrative position and it has it own unique challenges. He did not realize how much paperwork was involved until he held this position.

He was on his way to Quantico, VA to assist in a burial when the WTC was struck by terrorists. One of the members of the detail was contacted by his wife and informed the Pentagon was struck by an aircraft. Shortly there after the beepers went off and he made arrangements for a police escort back to Fort Belvoir to prepare for a possible mission to the Pentagon.

When he was at the Pentagon he was directly responsible for tracking everyone from his unit who entered and departed the building. He also had to keep track of the equipment that was being utilized. He had to directly report to the first sergeant.

Mrs. Melissa Barta was the Family Support and Readiness Team Leader for the MDW Engineers and spouse of the Commander, CPT Aaron Barta. She discussed issues and psychological problems faced by the operation at the Pentagon.

Abstract: Mrs. Melissa Barta, Family Support and Readiness Team Leader for the MDW Engineers and President of the Fort Belvoir Army Family Readiness Council, provides support to the soldiers and their families who are stationed on Fort Belvoir. Her husband is the commander of the MDW Engineers.

When she heard of the WTC being struck, she suspected that the Engineers would be called upon to assist in New York, but when the Pentagon was hit by the terrorist, she knew that the unit would be leaving and probably would not be back for a while. Within two hours she started to call everyone on the Family Support Roster to explain that their husbands were safe and will be taken care of. They tried to care for any little problem that came up so the soldiers that were deployed would not have to worry. The started to give classes to the spouses on topics ranging from reading an LES to balancing a check book. The Battalion Commander, LTC Linden, would call her once or twice a day to keep her informed of the status of the soldiers and tried to address problems before the became problems.

Most of the families were not prepared for a real world mission. They were use to the 9-5 type of job and did not expect to get deployed and as a result a lot of the families did not have a plan for that eventuality.

Alan Wallace is a firefighter with the Fort Myer Fire Department. He was at the Helo-pad at the Pentagon when the airplane struck the building on 9/11. He saw the airplane heading for the building and shouted a warning right as it flew right over him. He was the first person to report the attack when he called into the dispatcher seconds after the explosion. He sustained several injuries relating to the incident.

Abstract: Firefighter Alan Wallace was at his performing his assigned duties at the Pentagon on the morning of 9/11. They were expecting dignitaries to arrive later that day. What arrived first though was a terrorist attack. He was informed shortly before the attack that the World Trade Center was struck so he decided to prepare his fire engine in the event of any emergencies. While he was outside he heard a loud noise of an aircraft that was not following the general course. When he looked up it was traveling strait at him.

He began yelling to the other firefighter present that day to run as he himself began to. He dived under a van parked nearby right as the plane struck the building and exploded. As soon as it stuck he jumped up into the fire truck and radioed “The Pentagon has just been struck by a Airplane”. After unsuccessfully trying to move the burning truck, he jumped out and tried to locate his equipment. Unfortunately it was in flames right outside the control tower. He grabbed as many fire extinguishers as he could find and rushed the flames to help the walking wounded try to escape. After all he could find were emptied and all other devices were destroyed during the attack, he concentrated on helping the injured out of windows. Other rescue workers started to arrive by then and they began to assess the wounded. When they looked at him he was taken to a triage site to treat burns he had suffered and a torn rotator cup in his shoulder. At the time of this interview he was scheduled for surgery, but was expected to fully recover.

Firefighter Vance Valenzo of the Fort Myer fire Department was one of the first responders to the attack on the Pentagon an 9/11. He gave an accurate account of the scene and how the initial firefighters reacted when they got there.

Abstract: Firefighter Vance Valenzo is EMT, HAZMAT specialist and firefighter. One of the responsibilities of the Fort Myer Fire Department is to cover the Heliport at the Pentagon when helicopters fly in and out.

He was in a class on Fort Myer when the WTC were struck. Shortly there after they heard a loud explosion. Al Wallace of the Fort Myer fire department was at the Pentagon heliport when the airplane struck the building and called back on his radio and reported it. Firefighter Valenzo and the rest of the department at class immediately set out for the Pentagon. When they arrived they went in to find survivors but the smoke was so thick the exited the building which soon collapsed. They then finished setting up the equipment to effectively fight the fire.

He explains that this is the biggest event that he was ever involved with. When he got there he fell back on his training and acted automatically. His first priority was to locate the three firemen that were stationed at the heliport. Once he saw they were alive he concentrated on rescue and then putting out the fire.

SPC Ronald E. Dail was a welder with the MDW Engineers. He worked at the Pentagon for several days strait cutting steel inside while making specialized shoring devices outside. He worked in conjunction with other rescuers and learned a lot from them.

Abstract: SPC Ronald E. Dail is the 44B, welder, for the MDW Engineers, Maintenance PLT/supply. He did go through the light rescue course, which taught him how to shore buildings and rope rescue, but he mainly concentrated on welding. He was happy to be in a unit that hasn’t been deployed for 12 years. He was nervous being in a unit that was never deployed before but was happy by the results of the unit’s success. He did not know of the attacks on the WTC or the Pentagon until the alert came from the company.

When they first got there, he was tasked to set up the site the unit was going to work out of. The first night he was not involved very heavily in the efforts of recovery support except for helping to design and build the “Racker shores” for the outside of the Pentagon to help stabilize the building from further collapse. It took about 10 hours to build the shores with 5 or 6 design changes. After the first day he worked for 48 hours strait cutting steel reinforcements and building steel shores so the recovery teams could get into the site. On the last three days he help construct buckets to be used with debris removal that could be utilized with forklifts or cranes.

NEIT – 221: Desiree Duckett, ODCSPRO-QDR, 11/1/01 (Majors) T/R, AA

Ms. Desiree Duckette – Quadannual Defense Review Board Pentagon. Her office had to evacuate after the crash. Heartfelt account of people bonding together to help each other through this tragedy. Details of her escape route and those who helped her escape.

NEIT – 222: MAJ David Irvin, ODCSPRO-QDR, 11/1/01 (Majors) T/R, AA

MAJ David Irvin - QDR Board Pentagon. Was injured in the attack. Provided help to other victims. Discussed family member issues.

LTC Ralph Edner - QDR Board Pentagon. Office was very close to impact. Evacuation information on their escape. Procedures for accounting for personnel and assistance after the evacuation. Good day account of 9/11.

Mr. Jerome A. Lidsey- Vivid memories of explosion and fireball. Did not have major injuries. Evacuated promptly.

SFC Jerome Lindsay was working in the ODCSPRO-QDR office when the terrorist flew an airplane into the Pentagon on 9/11. He remembers the impact and the sub sequential explosion. He was not injured and evacuated the Pentagon promptly. He recalled COL Perrin taking control of the people around him and leading them from the darkened, smoke filled corridors while MAJ Kelly takes a role call to get an accurate accountability. Once he evacuated he was sent home and did not return until he was called back. He did not assist in the rescue or recovery efforts and really had little to offer to the interviewer.

MAJ Shelly Wells worked in the ODCSPRO-QDR (Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs-the Quadrennial Office). Major Wells was driving by the Pentagon when it was stuck by the airplane. She went home and got in contact with the key people of her office.

Abstract: MAJ Shelly Wells had a day of leave on 9/11 to take care of some pregnancy issues. She was aware of the World Trade Center by listening to the radio but felt it was all very surreal. That is, of course, until an airplane flew over her car and into the Pentagon. After the initial shock, she returned home and tried to make contact with as many key people from her office and family members as she could. She was in shocked disbelief for most of the day. Her office was right over the impact site so she felt blessed that she decided to take the day off.

After the office was set up and running again she came back to work and started re try to reconstitute as many loss files as she could. She was amazed at how fast the network was put back on line and how little data that was backed up was lost.

SFC Donald S. Workman is the NCOIC of the DCSPRO initiative group out of the ODCSPRO-QDR (Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs- the Quadrennial Office). He was the casualty assistance officer for a child that was orphaned due to the attack. It was a very sad and emotional commentary.

Abstract: SFC Donald S. Workman is the NCOIC of the DCSPRO initiative group who worked out of the ODCSPRO-QDR office. He was not very explicit in his commentary of the attack, but in the aftermath he became the casualty assistance officer for a young child who was orphaned. The child single mother had no contact with the father and was estranged from her own family. She did have a very good family care plan and a designated guardian for the child. She also had enough insurance to take care of the child in case of her untimely death. On 9/11 the worse case scenario transpired and the child was orphaned. When her mother/grandmother that had never wanted anything to do with the child found out of her daughters large insurance policy she filed suit in court to get the money through custody of the child. She was awarded temporary custody, but that had a high probability of being over turned.

Very heart wrenching interview about a child facing trials above those of being orphaned.

NEIT – 227: LTC Sean Kelly, ODCSPRO-QDR, 11/1/01 (Shellenberger), AA

LTC Sean M. Kelly. XO of QDR office. Talked about accountability and not much else.

MAJ Robert E. Waring- QDR operations officer. Was out of his office when plane struck and went back to help evacuate his office. Recalls how dark it was and Col Perrin’s voice yelling out the role call to get accountability. After evacuating his office he went back in the Pentagon to help other offices. Vivid memories of reentering to collect personal effects weeks later.

MAJ Waring’s team had just completed their report and was waiting for OSD to release their portion of the report later in the day on 11 September 2001. He was out of his office when the airplane hit and ran back to help his co-workers out of the building.

Abstract: MAJ Waring was out of his office the day of the attack. He was waiting for a report from the OSD office to put the finishing touches on their Quadrennial Office report. He was down the hallway getting a cup of coffee when a loud “BOOM” happened. He immediately rushed back to his office to evacuate the people trapped inside. It was very dark with the rooms and hallways filled with debris and smoke. He recalls COL Perrin’s voice calling out loudly a roll call to get a complete accountability as soon as he could. They crawled trough a crack in the wall and began to work their way to safety. After their office was evacuated, MAJ Waring went back into the building to help evacuate some of the other walking wounded. When he emerged again, the Defense Police Service pushed everyone back because of warnings that another plane was coming into the area. He soon joined a stretcher brigade to assist in transporting people to the triage area. Since most of the people who were originally injured were brought out in the initial wave he did not actually get a chance to help carry victims. When someone asked to help set up a morgue he volunteered and then for the rest of the day helped wherever he could.

SP4 Madera Robinson provided basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers receive. Described gate guard at the scene wouldn’t let them in to do their jobs at the Pentagon upon their arrival. Very good information about work at the crash site, and the discovery of SGM Larry Strickland, spouse of Deborah Strickland who works with Mr. Ed Gonzales (NEIT 203) mentioned in an earlier interview.

Abstract: SP4 Robinson provided basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers receive. Described gate guard at the scene wouldn’t let them in to do their jobs at the Pentagon upon their arrival. Very good information about work at the crash site, and the discovery SGM Larry Strickland, spouse of Deborah Strickland who works with Mr. Ed Gonzales (NEIT 203) mentioned in an earlier interview. Interview was conducted 31 October 2001.

SGT Raymond Long provided basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers receive, and he also described the Chaplain being “knee-deep” with rescue inside Pentagon.

Abstract: SGT Long provided basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers receive to include the types of equipment the MDW Engineers use in the jobs, and he also described the Chaplain being “knee-deep” with rescue inside Pentagon. He also mentioned the security on the gates in and around the crash scene and the perimeters of the Pentagon and Ft. Myer. Interview was conducted 31 October 2001.

NEIT – 231: SGT Aretha Riley, MDW Engineers, 10/31/01 (Dover) T/R, AA

SGT Aretha Riley provided basic information with no real substance.

Abstract: SGT Riley provided basic information on the search and rescue scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival and the equipment they used to perform their mission from a Supply NCO’s point-of-view. She spoke about how they requisitioned supplies they couldn’t obtain through the system, and how they obtained the shoring materials to perform the engineer mission of assisting firefighters to do their jobs. Interview was conducted 31 October 2001.

Abstract: SP4 Mosier provided basic information on the search and rescue training the engineers receive along with the many different skills required for the job and described the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival. He gave some very good perspectives on the Pentagon scene and the equipment the MDW Engineers used at the site. Interview was conducted 31 October 2001.

BN XO, Mr. Louis S. Roach, Jr. – Provided extremely valuable information on the response of the MDW HHC to the Pentagon attack and the day-to-day problems his unit encountered “BEFORE” a family assistance center was set up. He also discussed the emotions of the unit when the list of victims came out which troubled many in the units due to the closeness of the MDW community.

Abstract: – Mr. Roach provided extremely valuable information on the response of the MDW HHC to the Pentagon attack and the day-to-day problems his unit encountered “BEFORE” a family assistance center was set up. He also discussed the emotions of the unit members when the list of victims came out which troubled many since the HHC members knew them. This was a very good interview to get logistical information. Interview was conducted 2 November 2001.

BN CDR, LTC Brian Lauritzen – Provided extremely valuable information on the response of the MDW HHC to the Pentagon attack and the day-to-day problems his unit encountered “BEFORE” a family assistance center was set up. He also discussed a Crisis Management Team and lessons learned on accountability.

Abstract: LTC Lauritzen provided extremely valuable information on the response of the MDW HHC to the Pentagon attack and the day-to-day problems his unit encountered “BEFORE” a family assistance center was set up. He also discussed a Crisis Management Team and lessons learned on accountability. There were several problems he mentioned with getting the unit involved such as the transportation assets. The unit doesn’t have enough humvee’s, all they have is patrol cars with their MPs, which they couldn’t mount crude weapons on to mount any type of defense in case they needed to with another attack. He also spoke about the RSOI or reception, staging, and onward integration of forces, which was being done with all the units coming into the MDW control area, which would be assigned to them. This was also a very good interview to get logistical and lessons learned type information. Interview was conducted 2 November 2001.

CPT Aryn Ballard provided basic information on the need for more troops to perform mission at the crash scene at the Pentagon and at MDW in general.

Abstract: CPT Ballard spoke about her career and Military Police background with overseas duty in Korea. Service member provided basic information on the MP Mission and the main point she made during the interview was the need for more troops to perform the security mission at the crash scene at the Pentagon and at MDW in general to include Ft. Myer and Ft. McNair. Interview was conducted 2 November 2001.

SSG Stacy Weinert – Ft Myer MP Co is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Soldier provides some background information and talks about her previous assignments. Gives a comparison of Force Protection processes between CONUS and OCONUS. Talks about prior security concerns at Ft Myer and force protection procedures for FTMMC. She had just completed a shift when she got the alert to report back to the company. Talks about the soldiers reporting and getting their gear together. Describes atmosphere at Ft Myer. Compliments the unit supply section for their efforts in providing personal care items. Discusses some of her concerns on vehicle searches and Antrax. Has a very young child, which presented her some problems. Good young leader perspective on 9/11 events. Immediate actions after the attack.

CPT Gina McCloskey – Deputy Provost Marshal Ft Myer. Great information on Force Protection levels and the organization of the Provost Marshall vs the MP Company. Includes information on the deployment of MPs from the old guard.

CSM Roy Henderson – MDW Garrison CSM. Information on the garrison’s mission and the augmentation from other units and the National Guard and US Army Reserve. Discussed the shortage of assigned personnel to provide the additional security and AT/FP requirements.

MAJ Wolf discusses the activities of Headquarters Company, United States Army in responding to the attack on the Pentagon by providing personnel to reinforce the Ft. Myer Military Police at the gates to the post.

Abstract: MAJ Wolf discusses the activities of Headquarters Company, United States Army in responding to the attack on the Pentagon by providing personnel to reinforce the Ft. Myer Military Police at the gates to the post. He was in a meeting at Ft. Myer’s Rader Clinic that was dismissed after the attack on the World Trade Center was announced. As he drove back to his company, in building 406, he saw a plane flying low over the post and then heard an explosion and saw smoke rising from the direction of the Pentagon. He picked up a soldier who got off a bus and was running toward the barracks. The soldier had just left the Pentagon and had seen the airplane hit it. He did not get the soldier’s name. He ordered his building to be secured and his cadre personnel to notify their families that they were safe. He explains the measures he took to identify personnel with rare blood types and special skills, such as Emergency Medical Technician. He supplied soldiers to reinforce the Military Police at the gates to help inspect vehicles entering the post. He also discusses the organization and training of Casualty Assistance Officers, the Family Action Center at the Sheraton Hotel, and his counseling of individual soldiers because of various emotional responses to the tragedy.

NEIT – 242: LTC Michael K. Beans, ODCSPER, 11/6/01 (Shirer) T

LTC Beans was a victim of the attack and suffered burns on his arms and face. He describes his escape from a smoke-filled room one floor above where the plane impacted and medical care at the Pentagon and Walter Reed Army Hospital.

Abstract: LTC Beans was a victim of the attack and suffered burns on his arms and face. He describes his escape from a smoke-filled room one floor above where the plane impacted and medical care at the Pentagon and Walter Reed Army Hospital. He was in room 2D470 watching the reports from the World Trade Center when he was knocked to the floor from behind by the concussion from the explosion after the airplane hit the building. He thought it was a terrorist bomb. The room was totally dark except for a small fire he could see before it was filled with smoke. He gives a detailed account of his escape from the office area to the 4th corridor on the C ring. He did not know he was burned until told so by Ms. Margarite Frick (NEIT-611), who took him to the Pentagon clinic. The triage doctor gave him an IV and Demerol and had him evacuated outside to a collection area by the marina. He was taken to the Arlington Hospital in a sheriff’s car within twenty minutes of arriving at the collection area. The hospital treated his burns, called his wife and let him speak to her and then released him when they were informed to expect to receive 800 casualties from the Pentagon. He was home by 2:30 pm.

The next morning he reported Ft. Belvoir’s DeWitt Hospital to get his bandages changed and the hospital staff sent him to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he was admitted. He was hospitalized at WRAMC until 19 September when he was released on 28 days convalescence leave. He describes his excellent treatment at WRAMC both during his hospitalization and as an outpatient. He credits the sprinkler system with saving lives and comments that lights similar to those in airliners are needed on the floors to guide people to the nearest exit.

R. C. Black and Brenda Weber – They took turns at the EOC manning the logistics desk. In their role they helped to quickly locate material requested from the Pentagon on 9/11.

Abstract

R.C. Black and Brenda Weber are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Both are Logistic Management Specialists at DCSSPT, Bldg 42, Ft McNair. On 9/11 Brenda Weber was on duty. She immediately went to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at McNair and manned the DCSOPS desk. She established communications with the Ft. A P Hill EOC for logistical support. Mr. Black took the second shift the next day. Their job was to support the Army’s logistical needs for the rescuers at the Pentagon. Lessons learned include having a logistical cell on site.

Keywords

Logistical support, DCSSPT

NEIT – 244: CPT George Antone, DPCA, FMMC, 11/6/01 (Majors) T/E, AA

CPT George Antone – Casualty Assistance Office Ft Myer. Information on the casualty notification process and the Casualty Assistance Teams duties. Information concerning the flow of highly sensitive casualty information and the assistance provided to victims families. Discussed the uniqueness of including Department of the Army civilians into their area of responsibility.

John C. Baker provided basic information on the need for more intelligence gathering equipment and the searching of vehicles and personnel. He also stressed the importance of getting guidance for personnel protection, which wasn’t available when needed.

Abstract: MAJ Monteith is a Desert Storm-Somalia veteran who provided basic force protection information, Mobile Command Post Equipment, and the Command Post at Ft. McNair/Ft. Myer. The information he provided on the command post was very detailed and outlined a lot of the logistics going on behind the scenes of the Army’s response and recovery efforts. Interview was conducted 6 November 2001.

Ms. Barb Anderson – MDW Logistics DCS Support. Good information and overview of the logistical support operations. Explanation of the expanded role and extended support of contractors. Previous fielding of the berets helped to identify who belonged to whom for support.

Ms. Owens helped man the EOC during crisis for the public affairs office, conducted media relations and coordinated funeral participation for relatives and media at Arlington National Cemetery for the deceased from the 9/11 attack.

Abstract

Mrs. Barbara Owens is the MDW Public Affairs Officer for Media Relations Branch, Plans Office. Her office is located at Bldg. 18, Ft McNair, DC. She was proud how her office responded by immediately setting up operations at the EOC in Bldg 46 to support the rescue efforts. She describes the organization of her PAO and some of the 29 pages of taking logged by the PAO. Copies collected. Her office was also responsible for media coverage at the following funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. She explains the funeral process at Arlington and supplied log and rosters of those buried there.

LTC William Delaney – Survivor of attack on his office, 1D542, he helped others escape over wall to safety. He makes good observations of overall situation with key points as an AAR.

Abstract

LTC William Delaney is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is th Chief of Study and Analysis at ODCSPRO-QDR. He tells how the Army QDR office, 1D542, was destroyed. He describes the organized rescue process of escaping from the destruction. He tells about CPT Oliver’s (NEIT215) efforts in locating a rescue route and how he carries out at least two people. He gives lessons learned. He believes that good military training kept the casualties under 150 from a population of over 4000 tenants.

Keywords

Army QDR, rescue, escape

NEIT – 250: 1SG Algen Albritten, HQ Co., USA, 11/2/01 (Lapic) T/E, AA

1SG Algen Albritten – As 1SG he’s responsible for the supervision of all enlisted soldiers in MDW in matters of discipline and matters of UCMJ.

1SG Algen Albritten is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the 1SG of the Headquarters Company of the U S Army. He has almost 3000 soldiers assigned to over 30 U S agencies in the Military District of Washington. He is focused on soldiers issues, administration functions and matters of UCMJ.

On 9/11 he received taskings which he delegated to soldiers in the barracks. As additional soldiers came to the MDW he said that there was no contingency plan in place to accommodate them for meals and quartering. He said they were caught off guard.

Keywords

1SG of the HQDA

NEIT – 251: COL Mark Perrin, ODCSPRO-QDR, 11/1/01 (Lapic) T/R, AA

COL Mark Perrin – Deputy Director of the Army QDR, he gives a leaders account of the attack, evacuation and recovery of his office personnel. Recounts how people were directed to the escape route through his office by the screams of Ms. Duckett, his secretary. Recounts command and control issues.

Abstract

COL Mark Perrin returned to the Army QDR office at 1D536 after a “tasker conference” with MG Wood. He said that after the initial shock of the attack, order came to the office due to military training. LTC Sean Kelly a Special Forces reservist, LC Dudney, and SFC Lindsay assisted people over the wall. MAJ Waring was just back from the Library. LTC Bob Snyder was badly wounded. Describes the people who passed thru their office to safety… they were “audio visual”, and “Info Management” personnel, but the other neighboring office didn’t make it. Survivors followed the screaming of their secretary, Ms Duckett. He said overall there was an atmosphere of help and was proud of the office’s reaction. There was no evacuation plan and never was. He suggests a card or badge with the phone numbers of all office personnel. He suggests learning CPR or lifesaver training.

Keywords

Tasker, screams, escapees, leasons learned.

NEIT – 252: Lawrence Cerruti, MDW DCSOPS, 11/6/01 (Shellenberger), AA

Lawrence Cerruti- MDW EOC controller. He oversaw all message traffic and the entire operation for MG Jackson and MDW. He was instrumental in the procurement of all assets used for the Pentagon attack from the moment it happened and for the following months

Abstract: Mr. Lawrence Cerruti was the MDW EOC controller. He was directly responsible for all of the operations preformed at the EOC. He made sure that the EOC was promptly manned by the key personnel from each branch as well as saw to it that a forward unit was dispatched to the Pentagon to assist in information transfer and on site liaisons with the key units there such as the FBI, Fire departments, etc. While in the EOC proper, all the message traffic was routed through his office so that he could keep an accurate record of assets being used at the Pentagon and the multitude of requests that were circuited through his office. Anything from safety equipment to refrigerated trucks to house remains until they could be transported to Dover Air Force Base in New Jersey. He also made sure requests for personnel were met for the large work force that was needed to sift through the debris.

He also made sure that MG Jackson was briefed daily on the situation and how efficiently the assets were being utilized. When new request were forwarded from the attack site, he made sure that the appropriate personnel had the information and it was being followed up upon that way a “checks and balances” procedure made for a smooth operation.

Since this was the first time the EOC was ever put into a full blown operation, there were some glitches in the system. They were quickly identified and either eliminated or worked through. There is a plan to reconfigure the system so that it will be easier to operate with the different personnel, not always the ones trained on the equipment, for smother operations in the future. All in all everything ran smoothly with the necessary changes put into the after action report for future review.

Do to the multitude of contingency operations in the MDW area that may have to be dealt with and the sensitivities of those operations, many details were left out.

Abstract: CPT Strittmatter provided basic information of MP and EOC Operations at Ft. McNair and the Pentagon. He spoke about the skills of MP personnel to deal with situations such as the one on 9-11 as well as discussing the specifics of the MP-Provost Marshall Operations during the crisis. Interview was conducted 5 November 2001.

NEIT – 254: CSM Gerald Henderson, MDW HQ, 11/2/01 (Lapic), AA

CSM Gerald A Henderson – His focus during the attack follow-on period was force protection and access control.

Abstract

CSM Gerald A Henderson is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. His focus is force protection and access control as the Sergeant Major of the Headquarter Company. He also is the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Garrison Commander. His focus is the tenants at Ft Myer, mostly the Old Guard. Agencies he works with are the USO, MDW and any activities for the enlisted. After 9/11 with his concer of access and force protection, he is concerned about the boundry with Arlington national Cemetery and the safety in the high rise.

Keywords

NEIT – 255: Jennifer Lafely, MDW PAO, 11/5/01, (Lapic) T/R, AA

MS Jennifer Lafley – Reported to work at community center 2nd day. Worked in Joint Ops Center relaying info back to the PAO.

Abstract

Jennifer Lafely is the Public Affairs Communication Chief for Media Relations. She was told not to report on 9/11. That day an emergency operations plan was started. They set up at the Joint Operations Center at the Ft Myer Community Center on the 2nd day. They relayed information back and forth to the command. They did talking points in conjunction with the DOD Public Affairs. They set up interview schedules for the media interviews with the soldiers.

Keywords

PAO, Joint Ops Center, Community Center,

Soldier interviews

NEIT – 256: SGM Diana Huron, MDW PAO, 11/5/01, (Majors), AA, “Digit”

SGM Diana Huron – Ft McNair Provost Marshall Office SGM. Contrast of the “Sleepy Hollow” community before 9/11 and the situation here after 9/11. New assignment for her. She arrived 4 Sep. Discussed the type of equipment needed and detailed the scope of the Provost Marshall operation.

NEIT – 257: Ned Christenson, MDW PAO, 11/5/01, (Lapic), AA

Mr. Ned Christenson – Dealt with the internal audience of the FMMC. Published a short-lived bulletin for Camp Unity

Abstract

Ned Christenson is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. As the Director of Public Affairs, Post Publications, he started to get information procedures in place. ACS was seeking information for the family support Center. He coordinated with the MAACOM, Adrian Coombs, for info access. Dealing with the internal audience, they published the “Inside the Wire” bulletin for the military at the Pentagon rescue effort.

Keywords

PAO, Internal Audience

NEIT – 258: Richard Yates, MDW ADCS, 11/5/01 (Shellenberger), AA

Richard Yates- ADSC Support, MDW. Works on project funding for engineering and environmental issues. Had no involvement with the events of 9/11 and was affected very little.

Abstract: Mr. Richard Yates works as the director of environmental engineering at DPW (Department of Public Works) out of the ADSC office on Fort McNair. He was aware of the attacks on the WTC on 9/11, but was not affected by them. Even after the Pentagon was attacked, he did not become alarmed. He saw that the attack on the Pentagon was not going to have any affect on his duties as the funding director for MDW environmental engineering so did not have to implement any contingency planning. He was able to see smoke rising from the Pentagon from his office. He spent the rest of the day following his previously set agenda and went home at the usual time. The only affect on him was the increased security at the gates he had to go through to get to work.

Abstract: 1SG Brenda Curfman was not comfortable about giving an interview and did not wish to speak. Outside of a few yes and no questions that she would not elaborate on there was little substance to the interview. The interview only covered what position she held and a few of her duties.

NEIT – 260: Kim B. Holien, MDW Historian, 11/06/01 (Smith) T/R, AA

Kim Holien. Over the world view of what happened during that period from the perspective of the MDW/Ft. Myer Command Historian.

Kim Holien serves as the Command Historian of Ft. Myer, MDW. Was late that day to work due to traffic and so missed the bus to take him to the retirement meeting he was to attend that morning in the Pentagon. About 0900 he became aware of a large commotion outside. Tried to come to grips with the WTC attacks thinking we must be at war once he realized it was not accidental. Heard a distant sound about 1000. At first did not know what to make of it because of the salute cannons at Arlington but the vibration seemed a little unusual. COL Essig came in about 5 minutes later and told him the Pentagon had been hit. Pentagram reporters got on site early that morning, coming back about 13:08. Good detail on how things went on at Ft. Myer within that command HQ. He mentions a training exercise driven by a plane crash between the Pentagon and National airport. Spoke to the issue of community life that day such as since all children are off post the challenge of arranging how to get school buses clearance to come back on post. Stayed home the next day per the directive that all non-essential personnel were ordered not to come to work. One thing Kim felt is that MHD’s should have been called up much faster than they were considering the scope of the event. Stated that MHD’s should be more emergency operation oriented and ready to go on short notice. Stated MHD’s working here in MDW have been very well received across the spectrum of the community. Spoke some about post-traumatic events and to the anthrax attack.

NEIT – 261: COL Christopher Essig, Commander, FMMC, 11/6/01 (Smith) T

COL Christopher Essig spoke to Command and Control issues of Ft. Myer garrison during this period. Good discussion on Crisis Action Team and the setting up and workings of the Emergency Operations Center.

COL Essig is the Ft. Myer garrison commander who has had a number of high visibility positions in the PAO field. Col Essig is a West Point graduate and VMI alumnus. Had been in command for 10 weeks with an effective command date of 1 AUG 01 due to professional schooling. Became aware of the WTC attack after the first aircraft hit by his administrative assistant. Watched the second hit the WTC on tv, taken aback by it as a native New Yorker. Recently had been to the top of the WTC. Shortly afterwards heard a loud explosion. Received word very quickly because of the fireman stationed near the impact at the heliopad along with LTC Russo of the Engineers. Went to THREATCON DELTA quickly, ensuring coverage of the Big Four area and the perimiter. Initial response was moving the fire department to the site and getting the EOC up and operational. Prioritization after the attack and the anthrax attack switched to force protection. LTC Russo made a good command decision by authorizing the cutting and removal of guardrails to allow emergency vehicles into the site. Cell phones became an issue but internally to the community phones and FM tactical functioned without problem. Spoke a great deal to contractual issues and the visibility of where funds were flowing. Spoke from a senior MP perspective that the MP force is stretched very thin and that MP doctrine regarding the securing of installations and the structure needs a heads up review.

NEIT – 262: COL Mark C. Nelson, MDW DCSSPT, 11/7/01 (Majors), AA

COL Mark C. Nelson – DCS for Support, MDW. Good account of logistic issues in support of the attack. Discussed the types of “skills sets” for personnel working these issues and providing log support.

Abstract: COL Mark C. Nelson, Deputy Chief of Staff for Support, Military District of Washington discusses his background and the general scope of operations for his department. He provides a good account of logistic issues involved in supporting the response to the attack. Existing contracts had to be expanded and extended to accommodate a larger workforce and extended operations hours. He also discussed the types of “skills sets” for personnel working these issues and providing logistical support and some of the Lessons Learned.

Keywords:

Skill sets

Logistical support

NEIT – 263: MSG James Crumley, MDW PMO, 11/7/01 (Majors), AA, “Digit”

MSG James Crumley – Operations NCO, PMO Ft McNair. Very little value as a source of additional information on 9/11.

MSG James Crumley – Operations NCO, Provost Marshal Office Ft McNair is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provides some personal background information and discusses the scope and nature of his job. Gives an accounting of the day’s activities on 11 Sep and discuss how things changed on post. Not a very informative interview considering his rank and position.

SGT Jose Blackshear – Blotter NCO Ft McNair Military Police is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Provides some career background information. Discusses some of the procedures in place on Ft McNair and describes the days events on 11 Sep. He was the driver for the MDW Commander, MG Jackson. This interview was of marginal value.

Keywords:

MDW Commander

NEIT – 265: Rebecca Wriggle, MDW PAO, 11/7/01 (Majors) T/R, AA

Ms. Rebecca Wriggle – MDW PAO. Comprehensive view of Public Affairs Office operations from the DOD level down. Information on the Forward Public Affairs Operations Center and the flow of information down. Showing the best of the US Army Soldiers.

Abstract: Ms. Rebecca Wriggle, MDW PAO, provides a comprehensive view of Public Affairs Office operations from the DOD level on down. She discusses the public relations staging area at the Citgo station and the various civilian news networks, including international news media, as well as DOD media. Information on the Forward Public Affairs Operations Center and the flow of information down. News personnel would ask for permission to interview soldiers involved at the Pentagon. Interviews would always be completely voluntary on the part of the individual soldiers. From her perspective of the PAO, her office attempted to promote the spirit of the American soldier by showing the best of the US Army Soldiers. Due to some recently acquired video duplicating equipment at the PAO office at Ft McNair, they were able to tape many of the news spots that aired.

NEIT – 266: Pamela Von Ness, MDW Garrison, 11/7/01 (Dover) T/R, AA

Ms. Pamela Ness - Provided extremely valuable information on the response of the MDW to the Pentagon attack and the day-to-day activities. Also served as the media liaison/central media contact during the response. She gave different bits of information too numerous to mention.

Abstract: Ms. Von Ness provided great information on the operations of Ft. Myer and the units assigned there. She actually heard and felt the plane crash. She spoke of logistical problems in getting supplies through as well as the traffic problems at the Ft. Myer gates. She also served as a media contact with the Post and fielded several thousand telephone calls dealing with “sensitive” areas of concern. Interview was conducted 5 November 2001.

Abstract: MAJ White provided extremely valuable information on the response of the 3rd U.S. Infantry (Old Guard) to the Pentagon attack and the day-to-day contingency operations information including the extensive backgrounds of those involved, the contingency operations training that prepared the Old Guard to respond so efficiently, and the support they had already provided the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting in DC in which they were tasked with providing support to guard against a terrorist attack. Interview was conducted 7 November 2001.

SGT Ann Horton-Wandei – Desk Clerk, Military District of Washington Provost Marshal is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Gives some information on her background. Talks about her concern for her family who also lives at FT Myer. One of her main missions was to relate information, serve as liaison from the PMO to the patrols on duty. Very little unique information from this interview.

SGT James Thibodeau – Desk Sergeant, Provost Marshal Office Ft Myer is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interview provides some information on his army career and personal background. Discusses his job and the scope of the mission here at Ft Myer. Talks about how he learned about the WTC and Pentagon and some of the immediate actions taken after the attack. Explains the “Bolo” Bulletin. Does a recount of the day’s activities. Essentially the same information as other MP/PMO interviews.

Keywords:

“Bolo” Bulletin

Provost Marshal Office

NEIT – 270: SPC James Walker, MDW PMO, 11/8/01 (Majors), AA

SPC James Walker – MDW Provost Marshal Traffic Patrol. Great heartfelt account of the attack. Heard explosion and saw smoke. Took food to site first day. Helped to hang the American flag from building. Very good young soldier’s overview.

SPC James Walker – MDW Provost Marshal Traffic Patrol is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. He heard the explosion and saw smoke. He discusses some of the supply issues with not having enough barricades for the security mission at Ft Myer. On the first day, he took food to the Pentagon and was part of the group that hung the American Flag on the side of the Pentagon. Great heartfelt account of the attack. Very good young soldier’s overview.

LTC Victor M Correa – Gives powerful account of his and fellow employees escape from his 2nd floor office and how he helped people out from behind a stuck fire door. He helped in the ongoing rescue efforts throughout 9/11.

Abstract

LTC Victor Correa is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Reserve Component Policy Analysts at DAPE-MPA, ODCSPER. His office was located at 2C450 on 9/110. He lists the personnel in his office at the time. He helped rescue many people. Didn’t get home till 8 or 9pm the evening of the 11th. Only later did he go to Ft. Belvoire hospital for treatment.

1SG Anthony Pollygus explains how his soldiers were in route to Pentagon heliport to clear for VIPs right before attack. Recounts bomb operations his company participated in following 9/11 attack due to the heightened awareness and paranoia.

Abstract

1SG Anthony Pollygus is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. His unit, the 737th, is part of the 63d Ordinance command. Most of the time his soldiers can be anywhere on assignment doing explosive ordinance disposal. On 9/11 he was short soldiers on assignments. SGT Peterson and Williams were in route to the Pentagon Helipad to do a routine sweep for an incoming VIP flight. They were short of the Pentagon when it was attacked. He had them recalled. While they were waiting to be called into action they responded to many bomb calls. He recounts some of the many calls. His motor pool contained a truck load of D-Cell batteries. The Duracell battery company heard that they were short of batteries, so they sent a truck load.

COL Richard Breen. PAO Director of MDW. In Columbus OH morning of the attack. Set up Command Post in hotel room until such time as he could get back to FT McNair.

Unusual background since as a signal officer had command of an armor company in Germany. Background has been in public affairs with high visibility / high profile commands in the Army’s PAO field. The day of the attack was in Columbus, Ohio to prepare for the Spirit of America Show that would be there in September 28-29, 2001. He had been scheduled to fly out at 0700 but went to the gym instead. Personnel here went to EOC after his call back. COL Breen set up his own command post after returning to the hotel. Asked the hotel management for and got a dedicated fax line.

Came back next day and had to ramp up for intense national and international media interest. Cancelled the Spirit of America show and had to now ramp up for a show by the Army Band at the WTC site. Spoke to giving briefings to all families members and busing them in. Took great care to treat family members with sensitvitiy and to update them with as much information as possible under the circumstances. The PAO office did not have video production equipment available that would have allowed them to feed information to the media. Mentions how a Reservist unit got itself mobilized and was of invaluable aid to the PAO office. The attack proves that the Army needs a mobile PAO response team.

MAJ James Laughridge. Good interview but not within the context of the events specifically dealing with 11 SEPT 01. More of an over the world view from a specialized Engineer officer.

Engineer officer who had worked on Johnson Atoll on destruction of chemical weapons. Commanded a technical escort unit – transportation, storage and clean up of chemical weapons. Works in the national capital region with other agencies for the coordination with weapons of mass destruction. Currently in a counter-terrorism planning cell. Was in traffic when he heard about the WTC. Security was normal at this point at the main gate. On 11 SEPT 01 saw the jet at a very low attitude coming up the river. Heard a large explosion and an orange fireball with a mushroom cloud. Looked across the river and saw by orientation it was not National because of the tower and concluded the plane hit the Pentagon. Described the plane flying NAP of the earth – very unusual angle. Addressed the fact that DC is a target rich environment for symbolism. EOC began spinning up ASAP. Not directly involved in the continuity of government. Scenario’s focused on WMD. Stated how no one envisioned a jetliner as a weapon. Spoke about SIMEX’s like Ineligible Receiver that focuses on WMD. Moved into discussion of anthrax attack in the NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION and eastern US. Discoursed on future events within the field of his expertise.

NEIT – 275: SFC Barney James, MDW PMO, 11/7/01 (Shellenberger), AA,

SFC James J. Barney- Operations SGT for MDW PMO. Interview focused on how the enlisted personnel were being utilized on Fort McNair. He mainly collected reports and make sure they are shuffled to the correct people.

Abstract: SFC James Barney is the operations sergeant for Fort McNair Military Police. He discussed how the Military Police were being utilized in support of Task Force Noble Eagle. He handles all of the training requirements for the Military Police stationed on Fort McNair.

9/11 started out like any other day until he arrived at his office and heard from the television that the WTC was hit. Shortly thereafter the Pentagon was struck and he knew there would be a heightened state of security in Washington, DC. He was assigned to stay in the office to make sure that there would be a steady flow of information between the EOCs and the MP unit. He also needed to sift through the intelligence to see if it would affect them. Primarily supporting a ceremonial unit, the MPs on Fort McNair did not have all the equipment they needed and had to requisition the items.

He felt that more realistic training should be in place. One of the biggest problems they had following 9/11 was when the War College refused to limit themselves to essential personnel, which caused the traffic to gridlock for hours. He discussed the Force Protection issues that arose during this time frame. He refrained from a lot of details due to the issues regarding security.

SPC Marci R. White. Works in EOD. Was put on call the day of attack but did little but sit around waiting.

Abstract: SPC Marci White of the 737th EOD in MDW was put on call the day of the attack. She was shuffled back and forth from the Pentagon on boats, helicopters and their own bomb van, but her services were never called upon during the ten days she was on standby. She did talk about why she and her husband both decided to join the Army and the EOD field from college. “For the excitement” she says.

Mr. James Clifton Logistician for MDW. Retired CSM. Good insight on the logistics needed for the support of Task Force Noble Eagle and for the direct support of the attack on the Pentagon. Covers the money trail well.

Abstract: Mr. James Clifton is the MDW Command Logistician. He is responsible for insuring that the command has all the logistics to operate day to day. He oversees the logistics throughout the command. If there is logistics problem with one of the lower echelon installations they will make sure that the problems area taken care of. He discussed how logistics work in the MDW area and how logistics for force protection items have been easier to come by.

On 9/11 he was sitting at his computer when someone came back and said that an airplane struck the WTC. When he finished up and went back to see the television, he watched the second plane hit the second tower. He was shocked that something like that would happen and figured it was a terrorist attack. He was walking back to his desk when he heard an explosion and seen the smoke from the Pentagon. He new then that there was going to be serious implications for the MDW area. The EOC was shortly activated and he had his people man it shortly thereafter.

He was coordinating with the installation to the rescue personnel at the Pentagon. MDW was tasked to support logistically at the Pentagon. His office made sure that the items needed were received in a timely manner. They worked hand-and-hand with the procurement officer that was also in the EOC.

The biggest problem they had was finding the people who requested the items after his office procured the items. They also had a problem getting items into the Pentagon until they set up a better system for delivery.

SSG Trevor A. Preston. EOD Team leader. Thoughtful account of 9/11 attack. Mainly worked on recovering inert ordnance used as souvenirs in the Pentagon.

Abstract: SSG Trevor A Peterson is the Team Leader for the 747th EOD unit on Fort Belvoir. They have a response area of the entire state of Virginia, parts of West Virginia and any calls from the Secret Service for bomb removal. He goes on any where between 3-4 missions a week to 1 every 3-4 weeks. They usually are called out for old unexploded ordnance on military ranges.

He discusses the equipment they use and how they use it.

He was running late on 9/11 for a meeting in the Pentagon. On his way to the Pentagon he was recalled and sent to Fort McNair in anticipation that every little package will be suspect especially at the Pentagon. He was put on standby at the Pentagon later that day. Late that night he returned to Fort Belvoir.

Ms. Roberts describes her escape from the Pentagon and getting home afterwards.

Ms. Roberts describes her escape from the Pentagon and getting home afterwards. She was in a staff meeting in Pentagon room 2C531 when the plane hit the building. She recalls hearing an “unusually loud boom” and feeling the floor vibrate. She later learned that the airliner penetrated through the C ring wall directly below the conference room she was in. There are photographs showing the hole in the wall and the conference room windows above it. Her boss, COL Joseph Tedesco, (NEIT-642) immediately ordered everyone to evacuate the building. She said that she smelled fuel oil and thought a truck bomb had gone off, she did not learn that it was a jumbo airliner until she got home that evening. She provides a narrative from when she departed the Pentagon grounds around 1030 a.m. until she arrived home. She remembers that the division secretary, Denise Rawlings, (NEIT-175) jumped into the arms of the person sitting next to her. She closes with a description of her emotional reaction to the attack and the chaplains and stress management personnel that have helped her since the attack.

NEIT – 280: Jeffrey Brenton, ODCSPRO (DAPR-FDL), 11/08/01 (Lofgren)

Brenton was in a meeting when the plane struck, with the concussion vector moving directly under his office. (See picture in Oct 01 issue of Soldiers.) He describes the evacuation and subsequent return, weeks later, to the office to retrieve personal effects. He also comments on working relations between FBI and MDW.

NEIT – 281: Dr. Naomi Verdugo, OASA (M&RA), 11/13/01 (Lofgren)

Verdugo describes her evacuation from the Pentagon from 2E591 soon after the plane struck.

CSM Tomaziefski describes the force protection measures enacted at Davison Army Airfield, Ft. Belvoir, after the attack on the Pentagon. He was at Ft. A.P. Hill on the morning of 11 September.

CSM Tomaziefski describes the force protection measures enacted at Davison Army Airfield, Ft. Belvoir, after the attack on the Pentagon. He was at Ft. A.P. Hill on the morning of 11 September. He heard about the attack on the Pentagon over his car radio and he ordered his personnel to return to Ft. Belvoir. He provides a full account of organizing security for the airfield, establishing a ready reaction force, and coordinating with the Ft. Belvoir to get additional personnel to secure the airfield. The Washington, DC National Guard also provided him personnel for security duty. He talks about CSM Larry Strickland, the ODCSPER Sergeant Major, who was killed when the airplane hit the ODCSPER command group on the E ring.

NEIT – 283: SGT Ryan C. Mapp, Co. A, 12th Avn Bn, 11/13/01 (Shirer)

SGT Mapp, a crew chief, describes flying members of the Military District of Washington to Ft. McNair on 11 September. He also discusses post 11 September missions carrying remains to Dover AFB.

SGT Mapp, a crew chief, describes flying members of the Military District of Washington to Ft. McNair on 11 September. He also discusses post 11 September missions carrying remains to Dover AFB. He recalls being able to see the smoke from the Pentagon while on the ground at Davison Army Airfield. The pilots of his helicopter were CW3 Jeffery Sypolt (NEIT-303) and CW3 Jeffrey Wisch (NEIT – 300). He provides a brief account of the missions taking human remains to the mortuary at Dover AFB. He was very pleased with the support that he and his fellow soldiers received from the local community, to include all of the food that was given to them.

CW3 Thuotte describes his missions of flying to the Pentagon as medevac standby, transporting personnel to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and carrying engineers to the Pentagon. He also discusses the general support missions he flew during the next three weeks.

CW3 Thuotte describes his missions of flying to the Pentagon as medevac standby, transporting personnel to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and carrying engineers to the Pentagon. He also discusses the general support missions he flew during the next three weeks. His was the first helicopter ready to depart for the Pentagon because he had just refueled after doing an early morning traffic survey for a controlled access exercise that was being done. He gives an overview of the post 11 September operations and flying schedule of 12 hours on and 12 hours off. He said that he would have liked to have gotten into the air and to the Pentagon sooner than he did to provide moral support to the troops there.

CW3 Keenan discusses the general support missions he flew after 12 September, which included flying the Army Chief of Chaplains (MG Gaylord T. Gunhus) to New York City.

CW3 Keenan discusses the general support missions he flew after 12 September, which included flying the Army Chief of Chaplains (MG Gaylord T. Gunhus) to New York City. He and his crew were on Emergency Stand By that morning to support the weapons range at Ft. A. P. Hill when he was informed of the attack on the Pentagon. He did not get into the air on the 11th. He concluded that he felt under used on the 11th and for the entire period afterward.

SPC Poke explains his duties as a UH-1 crew chief and the missions he flew on 11 September, which included flying an unnamed general from the Pentagon to back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center

SPC Poke explains his duties as a UH-1 crew chief and the missions he flew on 11 September, which included flying an unnamed general from the Pentagon back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He states that he arrived at the Pentagon about 1030 and landed east of I-395, where several other helicopters had set down. His crew did not fly any of the injured personnel to any of the area hospitals. During the period after 11 September he and his crew flew SMA Jack Tilley and MG John Jackson, the MDW Commander to various locations. He also discusses the childcare provisions he and his wife, SPC Earlino Poke, made for their children while they were both on duty.

NEIT – 287: 1SG Mary Edwards, Co. A, 12th Avn Bn, 11/14/01 (Hirrel)

1SG Edwards describes her Ft. Belvoir based aviation company’s response to the attack on the Pentagon in securing the airfield. She also discusses typical missions that were flown and troop morale.

Abstract: This is an interview with 1SG Mary Edwards, A Company, 12th Aviation Battalion. The interview begins with some background about the unit, which flies UH 1 (Huey) helicopters. These are essentially similar to the Vietnam era aircraft, although improved. Her duties as the first sergeant are primarily administrative. On the morning of 11 September she was at the 9mm pistol range with other soldiers, when they heard reports of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. At first they did not believe the reports, but as they realized that these were genuine, the ceased weapons qualification and returned to Ft. Belvoir. Upon arriving at Ft. Belvoir, they assumed a Threatcon Delta posture and prepared to fly missions. They established a 24-hour schedule, which allowed some crew members to obtain some rest. 1SG Edwards is reluctant to discuss missions in detail, but she states that her company did assume the remains transfer mission after the augmentation from the 82d Airborne Division had departed. She did go on one remains transfer mission to Dover AFB, primarily to understand the scope of the mission. Her most vivid memory is watching the television coverage for the first time late that night while visiting her mother in the hospital. The interview concludes with her sympathy for those who lost their loved ones during these incidents and a realization of American vulnerability to terrorist actions.

Mr. Dodson discusses how he managed air traffic control at Davison Army Airfield on and after 11 September. He also describes how the air traffic control tower at the Pentagon was reconstructed.

Abstract: This is an interview with Mr. William Dodson, a Department of the Army civilian working as the MDW Air Traffic Manager. The interview begins with a discussion of his normal duties of supervising the operations at the Pentagon helipad and the Davidson Army Air Field. On the morning of 11 September he was traveling to Baltimore Washington International Airport when he learned of the attacks, he immediately turned around and tired to return to the Pentagon, but the roads were blocked. After obtaining some assistance from the US Army Aeronautical Services Agency, he managed to get to the Pentagon bringing some radios with him. He was unable to locate the air traffic controllers who had previously been evacuated, but he did inspect the tower to learn that it was inoperable. Moreover the radios storage room was completely destroyed, leaving him without communications except for a small portable radio. He was able to obtain a rush shipment of radios and communications equipment from Redstone Arsenal the next day. In the meantime he controlled aircraft using his portable radio. Prior to his arrival aircraft were controlled through Reagan Airport, but that procedure resulted in some near misses. On the night 12 September elements of the Maryland Army National Guard brought a tactical tower to the Pentagon improving his communications capability. By 13 September, with the help of his new equipment and some National Guard assistance he was able to reestablish 95% operational capability at the Pentagon tower. As of 14 November 2001 the tower was still at 95% operational capability, and Mr. Dodson estimated that it would require years before the facility could physical return to its previous status. His most vivid memories are of 3d Infantry soldiers removing the bodies from the Pentagon, including the site of one soldier overwhelmed by the experiences. He praises the enormous cooperation among all of the workers. He also praises the Salvation Army and Red Cross volunteers.

NEIT – 289: MAJ Aris Hummel, HQ, 12th Avn Bn, 11/14/01 (Hirrel) T/R

MAJ Hummel describes the 12th Aviation Battalion’s contingency missions, the battalion’s organization, and the types of missions flown in support of the Pentagon on and after 11 September. He also discusses how human remains were transferred from the Pentagon to Dover AFB via Davison Army Air Field.

Abstract: This interview with Major Arlis Hummel, executive officer for the 12th Aviation Battalion, begins with a discussion of the battalion's organization and mission. It consists of one UH 60 (Blackhawk) Company, one UH1 (Huey) Company, an air traffic control company, and a headquarters company. The battalion has contingency missions of supporting the Military District of Washington during emergencies. During peacetime it trains for contingencies and VIP passengers. On the morning of 11 September, much of the battalion was performing weapons qualification at Ft. A.P. Hill. MAJ Hummel learned of the World Trade Center attacks from watching television. At that time he was discussing with the battalion commander whether to recall the soldiers from Ft. A.P. Hill and to stand up an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Then they learned of the Pentagon attack and they realized that they would be performing emergency operations. Preparation also required "cycling" the crewmembers so that approximately half of them would be able to rest during the day, and be able to perform night missions. At that time they also instituted internal security procedures, including the installation of Jersey barriers to prevent unauthorized entry to the compound. MAJ Hummel was attending a meeting at Ft. Belvoir when the requirement for the first mission came down, so he did not fly that day. The first mission was to fly a portion of the MDW Engineer Company to the Pentagon. This company was intended to perform rescue operations in collapsed buildings, and the platoon was the light element. The mission was diverted to Ft. McNair, however. That day they expected to fly medical missions, but they did not. During the crisis they flew several logistical missions, but they could not perform other missions because they lacked sling equipment. The Air Traffic Control Company (Company E) faced the challenge of controlling aircraft around the Pentagon after the attack had destroyed much of the Pentagon air traffic control tower. They used improvised facilities until personnel from the Maryland National Guard arrived and provided personnel and equipment to assist in that operation. Transportation of remains became a major mission for the battalion. A CH47 (Chinook) company from Ft. Bragg was attached to the battalion, and they flew remains and personnel effects to the mortuary at Dover AFB. FBI agents accompanied the remains. The UH60 and UH1 helicopters would transport the FBI agents back to the capital region. As the number of recovered remains diminished, they began to use UH1 helicopters, with litter configurations. Other missions included transporting VIP's to the incident site in New York and to the crash site in Pennsylvania. They also flew some photo reconnaissance missions of the Pentagon.

Mr. Hodge describes the operations of the Ft. Belvoir Casualty Assistance Office (CAO) from 11 September through 15 November. The CAO appointed casualty assistance officers to work with each of the families, active Army and Department of the Army Civilians, in the Ft. Belvoir area who had members killed at the Pentagon on 11 September.

Mr. Hodge describes the operations of the Ft. Belvoir Casualty Assistance Office (CAO) from 11 September through 15 November. The CAO appointed casualty assistance officers to work with each of the families, active Army and Department of the Army Civilians, in the Ft. Belvoir area who had members killed at the Pentagon on 11 September. PERSCOM Casualty Affairs initially informed him to expect to activate up to seventy-five Casualty Assistance Officers to care for the next of kin of Army personnel from the Pentagon, however only 20 CAOs were needed. He explains how his office set up and maintained twenty-four hour operations for the next month with volunteers who filled in for the soldiers who were re-assigned to provide security for Ft. Belvoir. He said that the success of his office was due to the efforts of Mr. Robert L. Hunt and Ms. Joann Murrell. He also provides information on the actions of the Ft. Belvoir Family Advocacy Center and working with the families of the missing at the Sheraton Hotel.

Mr. Soto describes his duties as the Ft. Belvoir Casualty Assistance Office representative at the Ft. Belvoir Emergency Operations Center from 11 September through the end of the month.

Mr. Soto describes his duties as the Ft. Belvoir Casualty Assistance Office representative at the Ft. Belvoir Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from 11 September through the end of the month. He explains the initial activation and manning of the Ft. Belvoir EOC, the events during his first shift on the night of 11/12 September as the representative for the Directorate of Personnel and Civilian Affairs, and the hand off of reporting casualty information from the EOC to the Ft. Belvoir Casualty Affairs Office. After the first week, he split his time between working in the EOC and working as the CAO night duty officer, thus enabling it to operate twenty-fours hours a day. He also discusses events, such as the Annual Retirement Activity Day, that were canceled due to the emergency. He best memory is of the civilians who worked long shifts notifying the next of kin and assisting the Casualty Assistance Officers in helping the families of the deceased. This was the first time that Casualty Assistance Officers were assigned to the families of Department of the Army Civilians.

CW3 Allen Tucker II – Co C 12th Avn Good account of the day of the attack however they functioned in a very limited role.

CW3 Allen Tucker II – Company C, 12th Aviation Battalion is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Provided some background information. Explains the overall mission of the company, which includes Very Important Persons (VIP) transportation, as well as being part of other emergency contingencies. Discussed the operation of the airfield (Davidson Airfield). Provides an account of the events of 11 Sep.

CW4 Etienne Lefebvre/1SG Luis Sanchez – 12th Avn Bn. Very general interview concerning the VIP and contingency missions of Co C and the activities on 9/11.

CW4 Etienne Lefebvre/1SG Luis Sanchez – Company C, 12th Aviation Battalion is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Provided some background information. Explains the overall mission of the company, which includes Very Important Persons (VIP) transportation, as well as being part of other emergency contingencies. Discussed the operation of the airfield (Davidson Airfield). Provides an account of the events of 11 Sep.

CW3 Donald D. Duncan – 12th Avn Bn. Good information of the aviation mission in the Capitol Region and in the overall operation at the airfield.

CW3 Donald D. Duncan – Company C, 12th Aviation Battalion is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Provided some background information. Explains the overall mission of the company, which includes Very Important Persons (VIP) transportation, as well as being part of other emergency contingencies. Discussed the operation of the airfield (Davidson Airfield). Provides an account of the events of 11 Sep.

NEIT – 295: SPC Jacquelin Kidd, Co. E, 12th Avn Bn, 11/14/01 (Strand)

SPC Jaqueline Kidd- Jaqueline Kidd was in the helipad control tower at the Pentagon at the time of the attack. She was injured by debris when the tower shifted from the impact of the explosion.

CW3 Paul M. Jacobs- CW3 Jacobs had flown as a Blackhawk Pilot for 11 years and now flies UH-1’s at Davison Airfield near Ft. Belvoir. He is a warrant officer for 12th Aviation Battalion. CW3 Jacob’s main job is to fly contingency missions also called “what if “ drills. On September 11th he was at the 9mm range when the 12th Aviation group was told to return immediately to the airfield because the Pentagon had been hit. All aircraft were then prepared to launch as in a wartime scenario. Most of CW3 Jacob’s mission is classified but he did say that later on the 11th he helped fly VIP personnel out of the Pentagon area.

SPC Terry Kabala performed maintenance on 12th aviation helicopters to support the evacuation mission of September 11th.

NEIT – 298: SPC Tony Tsantles, Co. A, 12th Avn Bn, 11/14/01 (Strand)

SPC Tony Tsantles helped in coordinating 12th aviation and performed maintenance to support their mission.

SPC Terry Kabala- SPC Kabala worked on the maintenance crew for the 12th Aviation Battalion. On September 11th he remained at the hanger on Davison Airfield to help the flight crews with maintenance, fueling, and supplies.

SPC Tony Tsantles- SPC Tsantles is a crew chief at Davison Airfield for the 12th Aviation Battalion. On September 11th, when the flight crews were ordered back from the 9mm range, SPC Tsantles helped with the coordination and planning of the VIP evacuation flight mission that took place shortly after the attack on the Pentagon. SPC Tsantles also helped perform maintenance on the UH-1’s to make sure they were flight ready.

Mr.Boger was an air traffic controller at the Pentagon. The tower at the helipad was destroyed by the blast of the explosion at the Pentagon and Mr. Boger was injured when the tower glass imploded. Mr. Boger helped rescue other personnel. His car was also destroyed in the attack on the Pentagon.

Mr. Boger was working as an air traffic controller for the 12th Aviation Battalion at the helipad next to the Pentagon on September 11th. Mr. Boger saw the plane as it hit the Pentagon only yards away from the helipad. The concussion from the blast shifted the tower and knocked Mr. Boger to the floor. Just as that happened all the tower glass imploded on him. Mr. Boger suffered minor injuries as he helped fellow air traffic controller Jaqueline Kidd out of the tower. Both Boger and Kidds’ cars were also destroyed by the explosion.

CW3 Jeffrey Wisch is assigned to HHC, 12th AV BN stationed on Davison Army Airfield. As a rotary wing pilot he was responsible for shuffling key personnel around the day of the attack and the sub sequential weeks following. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the flights, details were not elaborated on.

Abstract: CW3 Jeffrey Wisch is the Tactical Flight Operations Officer and rotary wing pilot with HHC, 12th AV BN. As a flight operations officer he is responsible to oversee the incoming missions, sorting of those missions, allocating the assets and disseminating the missions to the companies.

On 9/11 he was scheduled to be on standby for contingency missions. After he was finished with his morning checks, he went back to his office to complete some paperwork and was told that the attacks in New York occurred. Soon thereafter the Pentagon was struck and since they only had two helicopters normally on standby, they decided to begin preparing all of the remaining helicopters for possible operations. They also started to look into some of the Force Protection issues that were being implemented.

He took off soon after the Pentagon was struck to preposition some of the MDW Engineers who specialize in confined space rescue on Fort McNair. The most noticeable thing that he remembers is how clear the sky was and the huge cloud of billowing black smoke. He stayed on Fort McNair in case of any follow on missions but there was none.

CPT Brian Zarchin of HHC, 12th AV BN stationed on Davison Army Airfield was the operations officer as well as a rotary wing pilot for the battalion. He was responsible for shuffling assets and key personnel around on the day of the attack and the weeks following. Due to the sensitivity of the missions, details were not elaborated upon.

Abstract: CPT Brian Zarchin is the OIC of Flight Operations with HHC, 12th AV BN. He is responsible for all the fight operations at the battalion to include tracking flight hours, scheduling, records managing in re to flights, training for contingency operations, etc. He is also a UH-1 aviator. He is tasked to stay proficient in that aircraft.

On 9/11 he was on an exercise with the MDW Commander looking over force protection issues. He was just returning from the exercise when he was told that an aircraft had hit the WTC. He went to watch a television and saw the second plane hit the towers. They immediately went back to their AO’s and began to prep for contingency missions. Soon thereafter the Pentagon was struck and everyone was recalled. The crews began to immediately set into motion there contingency plans.

CW3 Jeffery Sypolt of A Co, 12th AV BN is the safety officer and a rotary wing pilot who’s major responsibility on 9/11 and the following weeks was to shuttle assets and key personnel around that day and the following weeks. Due to the sensitivity of some of the missions, details were not elaborated upon.

Abstract: CW3 Jeffrey Sypolt of A Co, 12th AV BN is a rotary wing pilot and safety officer. He is responsible for monitoring and enforcing a safe environment especially with the maintenance. He has to oversee the OSHA requirements and see that they are enforced. In his fight status he is on a UH-1, which is a utility helicopter.

He was in a safety class when the attacks occurred. As soon as he heard that the Pentagon was struck, he excused himself and went back to Davison Army Airfield were he was immediately placed on the standby UH-1 and tasked to deliver key persons to the EOC. He then fell back into his supporting role for contingencies were he was responsible for shuffling key personnel to undisclosed sights.

Due to the sensitivity of some missions, details were not elaborated upon.

CW4 Fredrick Bruns of E Co, 12th AV BN was a rotary wing pilot that was placed on reactionary standby on the day of the attack and the weeks that followed. He mainly sat on Fort McNair with his HUEY for the entire time waiting for the possibility of further attacks.

Abstract: CW4 Fredrick Burns was a Fort AP Hill the day of the attack on a routine mission to support people on the firing range. They were recalled to Davison Airfield after the airplane struck the Pentagon. When he returned he was sent to Fort McNair to wait on standby in case the 767th EOD was needed. In the pursuing days it became evident that his helicopter would not be needed, but he had to stay there just in case. In the end he only flew a few minor VIP’s about on short hops. He felt that the rotary wing assets are not being utilized enough. The interview had few highlights.

CPT Johnson describes the air traffic control and maintenance operations his company performed from 11 to 30 September. The two air traffic controllers (SPC Jacqueline Kidd and Mr. Sean Boger) in the Pentagon control tower belong to his company.

CPT Johnson describes the air traffic control and maintenance operations his company performed from 11 to 30 September. The two air traffic controllers (SPC Jacqueline Kidd, NEIT-295, and Mr. Sean Boger, NEIT-299) in the Pentagon control tower belong to his company. He heard about the Pentagon being hit as he was driving to Ft. A. P. Hill. He returned to Davison Army Airfield (AAF) where he check with his air traffic control section to find out if they had heard from his two people who worked at the Pentagon. He explains the role of the 129th Air Traffic Control, Maryland National Guard, had in reinforcing his unit to insure they could perform twenty-four hour operations at Davison AAF and at the tactical control tower truck at the Pentagon.

CPT Mackey describes her flight carrying members of the Military District of Washington Engineer Company to Ft. McNair on 11 September. She also discusses her duties as the battalion intelligence officer during the next three weeks.

CPT Mackey describes her flight carrying members of the Military District of Washington Engineer Company to Ft. McNair on 11 September. She also discusses her duties as the battalion intelligence officer during the next three weeks. He was in her aircraft preparing to go to Ft. A. P. Hill for weapons qualification when she was notified that the Pentagon had been attacked. During the next three weeks she flew several flights bring remains escort officers back from Dover AFB, DE. She praises the local people and businesses for all the food donated to the troops; the food support was vital, as the airfield does not have any mess hall or cooking facilities.

CPT Bowman was at Ft. A. P. Hill on the morning of 11 September. He describes flying Assistant Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz to the Pentagon on the evening of 11 September. He also discusses missions flying VIPs to New York City and the Pennsylvania crash site.

CPT Bowman was at Ft. A. P. Hill on the morning of 11 September. He describes flying Assistant Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz to the Pentagon on the evening of 11 September. He also discusses missions flying VIPs to New York City and the Pennsylvania crash site. He was at the weapons range at Ft. A. P. Hill when he heard about the attack on the Pentagon and was ordered to return to Davison Army Air Field. It took him twenty minutes to return to Davison. He remembers the “terrible smell in the air” that evening as he flew to the Pentagon and seeing the flames from several miles away. He recounts being buzzed by a pair of F-16s as he was on final approach to Davison AAF. He wondered why they did it, because he had been cleared to fly at night and was in contact with the AWACS that was controlling the airspace over Washington. SPC Jason L. Metz (NEIT-309) was his crew chief on 11 September.

SPC Nichol describes preparing his helicopter for flight operations on 11 September and flying Army Vice-Chief of the Staff General John M. Keane from the Pentagon. He also discusses flying VIPs to New York City.

SPC Nichol describes preparing his helicopter for flight operations on 11 September and flying Army Vice-Chief of the Staff General John M. Keane from the Pentagon. He also discusses flying VIPs to New York City. He states that his first mission of the day was canceled because of the attack on the World Trade Center. He recalls hearing a loud rumble while working on his aircraft and someone shouting to him that the Pentagon had been attacked. He is grateful for all the community support he and his fellow soldiers received especially the local businesses that provided free meals for them every day, because they did not have a mess hall at the airfield. His most enduring memory is what Secretary of the Army Thomas E. White said in reaction to seeing the Pentagon from the air on the evening of the 11th: “We’re going to get those bastards.” He was crew chief for the helicopter flown by CW4 Etienne LeFebvre (NEIT-293) and CPT Todd Howard (NEIT-326) on 11 September.

NEIT – 309: SPC Jason L. Metz, Co. C, 12th Avn Bn, 11/16/01 (Shirer)

SPC Metz describes flying Assistant Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz to the Pentagon and seeing the smoke and flames over the building in the night sky on 11 September.

SPC Metz describes flying Assistant Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz to the Pentagon and seeing the smoke and flames over the building in the night sky on 11 September. He remembers hearing about the attack on the World Trade Towers as he drove to work that morning. SPC Ryan R. Nickol (NEIT-308) told him about the attack on the Pentagon. He also tells about his helicopter being buzzed by USAF F-16s as it returned to Davison Army Airfield after dark on the 11th. CPT Bradley L. Bowman (NEIT–307) was his helicopter’s command pilot.

CW3 Lyons is the ODCSPER Supply Officer. She was in the North Parking area returning from Walter Reed Medical Center when the plane struck. Her cubicle was located in an area that produced many fatalities, some of whom she had been in conversation with during her return. She describes her emotions, activities and the reconstitution of ODCSPER supply records.

MAJ Parker was in the DCSPER Operations Office in the impact area at the time of the attack. She tells of leaving the impact area and going down to the Personnel Contingency Cell in the Army Operations Center where she remained for the next several days.

SPC Petrovich was in the ODCSPER impact area at the time of the attack. He describes helping co-workers evacuate the area through a blown out window, his medical treatment and subsequent return to duty.

LTC Cleary was at his cubicle in the middle of the ODCSPER impact area when the plane struck. He tells of helping evacuate the area, then searching for others who might have been trapped in the building. He also discusses moving to and activities at the Hoffman Building.

LTC Kelly was in the DCSPER Operations Office in the impact area at the time of the attack. He tells of evacuating the building, helping COL Lewis start ODCSPER accountability operations in a trailer in North Parking, and subsequent actions.

MAJ Enriquez was the Operations Officer in the Personnel Contingency Cell. He was in the PCC at the time of the attack and describes what happened there throughout the accountability operations and subsequent mobilization.

Ms. Anitra Reed – As safety officer for MDW, she went to camp unity to observe if safety procedures were being observed. She made safety recommendations for possible bio and chemical contamination.

Abstract

Anitra Reed is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She is the Safety, Health and Occupation Specialist from the DCSRM-Resource Management Safety. Tuesday, 9/11, started in the morning with a MACOM meeting. Chief Puddy made a decision to send people home. On 9/12 she manned the EOC desk. In June of 2001 she had trained with the 32d Engineer BN so was familiar with some of the safety and health issues that they may encounter at the Pentagon rescue. She worked with CHPPM (Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine) on 9/11 also. She observed some health issues that she addressed. She said that soldiers were coming out of the demolished areas of the Pentagon with contaminated clothing and were eating food and drink offered to them without decontaminating. With her guidance decon stations were installed and decon processes were followed.

Jeff M. Moore – Located in 3D450, he immediately left office on impact, but returned to E ring. There he helped rescue people off the 4th corridor. Gives many accounts of escape and rescue efforts of DAMO-SS office and makes observations, AAR, and perceptions of the military.

Abstract

Jeff Moore is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is a contractor for SAIC (Science App. – International Corp.) working as a Policy Analysts for the U S Army National Security Policy Division of DAMO-SSD. On 9/11 he was located in office 3D450, cubicle 90 in a location between the D and E rings. On the inpact, he escaped, but returned to the E ring to help rescue people off the 4th corridor. He is outspoken about the tragedy and has some strong words to say about the events.

Dr. Betty Maxfield – Working as a demographer in 2B659, she gives harrowing account of an office of people unable to find a way out of a hot, smoke-filled room. Explains how they low-crawled over wet carpets to one door only to find it blocked. They reversed directions when someone found an escape route. People were dropped out 2nd story window to employees below. (Also provided written account.)

Abstract

Dr. Betty Maxfield is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She is a demographer with a Doctorate in Education. She serves in an advisory position in wellbeing issues and demographics for the Army. Her office was located in 2B659, her current location. On 9/11 she went to the 4th corridor area for a meeting in DCSPER near the office of General Maude. She heard 4 loud noises in a three to four second period with a fireball rolling down the hallway. A human chain was formed because the large number of people and the lack of visibility. They headed in one direction only to find that the way was blocked. They reversed direction and were led to a window. They were lowered then dropped out the window. She discusses lessons about danger areas, safety routes, focus and faith.

Mr. Eric Cardona explains the communications between control tower of Reagan National and his tower at Davison Army Airfield. Also discusses details of evacuation of skies of civilian and military aircraft.

Abstract

His is a shift supervisor at the Davidson Army Airfield, Ft Belvoir, VA. Davidson is a small airfield home to several air units including the 12th Aviation and the 121st Air Medivac of the DC National Guard. Routinely the FAA at Reagan Washington National Airport gives clearance to Davidson controllers. He has the responsibility of air traffic control at the Helipad at the Pentagon. That tower usually has two controllers there. Curious, he contacted the Helipad tower and got no response. He tried both cell and land-line telephones and radio but got no answer. He contacted a fixed-wing airplane to swing by the Pentagon to see what was up (the aircraft only went as far north as Springfield). He got an immediate call from the FAA wanting to know what that fixed-wing aircraft was doing and to return to base. Cardona wanted to know what was going on and that he didn’t have any contact with his Helipad tower. The FAA said they couldn’t talk and hung up. Cardona could see smoke coming from the direction of the Pentagon. Fearing the worst and knowing the WTC had been hit he called the Reagan tower back demanding answers. They refused to talk, so he declared that this was a military attack and that being a military action he had control of the air, not the civilian FAA. He told the Reagan controllers that the military was in charge now and that the FAA was to ground their aircraft.

Many aircraft attempted to gain authorization to land there, but he limited the access to few agencies. He tells about the events the remainder of 9/11. His supervisor, Mr. Dodson, went to the Pentagon to be the controller on the ground. A portable tactical air control tower was trucked up to the Pentagon from out of state.

On 9/12 he inquired of the FAA about an aircraft circling the Pentagon. The FBI complained that whoever was flying around was unauthorized and asked they be grounded. Reagan tower said it was the National Park Police and that it was ok. Cardona told Reagan they must be grounded, but only after insisting did they leave the airspace. He feels they were flying an unauthorized CNN TV news crew around for headline news footage. He asked them at that time if the FAA knew the aircraft were inbound on 9/11. He said the controller knew they were headed that way from 80 miles out. Cardona asked the controller why they didn’t tell him. He said the controller told him “it hadn’t occurred to them”. Cardona is candid and firm about his story.

CW2 Chris L. Velez – Discussed flight missions for support and maintenance 9/11. Gave a flight matrix. Tells how remains were flown to Dover, DE.

Abstract

CW2 Christina Velez is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She is stationed at Davidson Army Airfield as a general support test pilot. She supervises maintenance on the helicopters for the 12th Aviation and test flies the aircraft after servicing. She gives a matrix of the flight missions of aircrews to the Pentagon.

She discusses the missions to Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, of the remains from the Pentagon. Also discusses the 18th Airborne from Ft Bragg, NC, and their involvement.

Ms. Anne Ferguson is the Safety and Occupational Health Director for MDW. She was responsible for the compliance of the OSHA directives for the safe operation of a construction site, which the Pentagon attack site was classified as. She made sure that the proper equipment was being used and that unsafe conditions were being addressed.

Abstract: Ms. Anne T. Ferguson is the Safety and Occupational Health Director of MDW. The interview covered a lot of information on how safety offices are set up world wide and some of the situations that they cover. Her office was directly responsible for the safety of the attack site at the Pentagon and she help coordinate with the other safety offices of the other organizations.

She was in a meeting with MG Jackson when the aircraft started striking the WTC. The meeting was disbanded and she went back to her office and soon thereafter she was paged to the MDW EOC because an aircraft struck the Pentagon.

She had to tend an alphabet soup of agency safety officials at the Pentagon to overcome problems in safety. Such as, everyone who came in had different decontamination procedures that had to be coordinated so everyone would be on the same sheet of music. There were no major injuries at the site, but they needed to make sure that all the injuries could be tracked for later use.

CW3 Nikolas Kubli is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is a UH-1 and CH-47 pilot for the 12th Aviation Battalion, MDW. He serves as a Emergency Stand-by Aviator(ESB). He flew the MDW Engineers from Ft Belvoir to the Pentagon for the rescue effort via Ft McNair. He mentions that Pilot Wisch does a sling load. He comments that there was poor coordination with Davidson Airfield on his flight. He gives a good account of his part in the rescue effort.

Cheryl Anderson is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She is the D Company Commander (maintenance) for the 12 Aviation Battalion, MDW. As stated above she discusses the challenges of maintaining the aircraft in the rescue effort at the Pentagon. It is a good account of maintenance issues.

Abstract CPT Todd Howard is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the HQ Company Commander for the 12th Aviation, Davidson army Airfield, Ft. Belvoir, VA. He is responsible for training and supervisory duties. He discusses the Command Assembly Plan. He also tells about the Threatcon going right to C. Air missions for the 12th Aviation origionated from General Jackson. Missions evolved to logistics missions

Mr. Eric Williams – Discusses set-up of emergency back-up Air Traffic Control Tower after 9/11 attack in place of destroyed tower at helipad.

Abstract

Mr. Eric Williams is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is a civilian contractor for ATS Maintenance for the air traffic control maintenance facility at Davidson Army Airfield, Ft Belvoir, VA. His duties included both the Davidson tower and the Pentagon tower. He said that Mr Cardona was the tower supervisor at Davidson and Mr. Dodson was the ground controller (after the attack) on 9/11 at the Pentagon. Mr. Williams was asked to get the portable tactical tower, brought to the Pentagon after the attack, up and running in seven days. Since the tower brought in was old and not well maintained, it need wired for communications to be functional. He had it operating in three days. He gives a good review of the restoration of emergency back-up tactical air control at the Pentagon heliport

LTC Andrey Hetmansky – NCRSO Chief – MDW, Chief Force Protection. OPTEMPO during the weeks that followed 11 Sep. Mission and support operations in support of the crisis.

LTC Andrey Hetmansky – National Capitol Region Support Office, Chief – MDW, Chief Force Protection is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. He provided some background information on himself. His office at Ft McNair is relatively newly created. He discussed the OPTEMPO of his office during the weeks that followed 11 Sep and explained what the focus of their mission was. Related what support operations were in place during the crisis.

Abstract: COL Shea provided valuable information about casualties and legal assistance, as well as valuable information about force protection. He gave a lot of valuable information about everything from casualty affairs and legal assistance to the use of deadly force by MPs and soldiers tasked with security response missions. He gave several lessons learned AAR type comments that will become more valuable as time moves forward after the attack. This was a great informative interview! Interview was conducted 19 November 2001.

Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, LTC Lauren Leeker, provided information about military and civilian casualties, legal assistance, as well as benefits and amendments to policy.

Abstract: LTC Leeker was in the Pentagon at the time of the attack. She provided information about military and civilian casualties, legal assistance, as well as benefits and amendments to policy. She also elaborated on the DA Civilian Casualties and the problems associated with survivor benefits, and the need for amendments to policies dealing with these matters. These were great topics for the lessons learned and need to be documented. This was a very good interview. Interview was conducted 19 November 2001.

SSG Kyle Gillam is the Intelligence NCOIC for MDW. During and after the attack it was his responsibility to sift through the reports coming in and make sure the pertinent information was reaching the proper personnel who needed briefed. Due to the sensitive nature of the interview, details were not greatly gone into.

Abstract: SSG Kyle J. Gillam is the Intelligence NCOIC for MDW. He was not allowed to talk about what information he handles. He mainly searches the message traffic to help produce the force protection guidelines for MDW.

He found out about the attacks while watching the morning news. They immediately turned all the televisions on and started recording the events as they transpired. He also helped to power up the rest of the EOC so it would be ready when people started to arrive.

Nanney recounts both his personal experiences on 11 September and the unsung heroics (and commonsense) of his office in the aftermath of the attack that got much of the Army’s network infrastructure up and running in short order. He provides good detail about the migration of refugee servers to the NISA-P location.

CPT Richard Cureton – Was at a conference 9/11. As intel officer, he gave a general account of the second week at the EOC.

Abstract

CPT Richard Cureton is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Intelligence Chief for the DCSOPS of MDW located at Ft McNair. He was at a conference on 9/11. He gives a general overview of the second week at the EOC. He recommends such ideas as not leaving military dry cleaning in your car, securing security badges, and scraping off auto ID stickers when selling a car.

CSM Reuben Peppers discusses all the and signal issues related to communications problems due to 9/11 attack. Gives good lessons learned of interaction with outside agencies.

CSM Reuben Peppers is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Army Signal Activities at MDW, located at Ft. McNair. He discusses signal and communications issues. He said cell phones were a problem on 9/11. The donation of NEXTEL phones was a great help in re-establishing communications. He says communications issues existed between the AOC, EOC, MDW and NDW(Naval District of Washington). Gives good signals lessons learned. Expresses need to establish better commo with outside agencies.

Mr. William Swan – As a contracting official, he discusses challenges on 9/11 in acquiring various common and unusual materials as requested by EOC.

Abstract

Mr. William Swan is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is a Contracting Official, OPARC, IMO, Ft Belvoir, VA, responsible for contracting. He reported to the Bellvoir EOC on 9/11 and worked with the Disaster Response Force for two weeks. He tells of receiving their first requirement being received at 12:20 for porta-potties for the Pentagon. They forwarded it to the Director of Contracting who sourced it out. Another requirement was getting flesh-eating maggots for Washington Hospitals. He tells of working with Home Depot who supplied lumber 24/7, and of a construction equipment dealer to bring in equipment.

Mr. John Novak – COL Timothy Konkus DCSPER, MDW Functions. Good information on the Morale, Welfare and Recreation functions for the military district and how 9/11 effected the programs. Issues on enhanced or extended services also addressed. Staff Operations for personal effects and mortuary affairs.

Abstract: Mr. John Novak and COL Timothy Konkus Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, (DCSPER) Military District of Washington (MDW) is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses the operation of the DCSPER and their state funeral mission. Good information on the Morale, Welfare and Recreation functions for the military district and how 9/11 affected the programs. Issues on enhanced or extended services also addressed, including family assistance. They are the proponent staff for the operations in relation to personal effects and mortuary affairs.

MSG Yong Park is the NCOIC of MDW DCSSPT (Deputy Chief of Staff for Support). He oversees the personnel in the MDW plans and operations section. When the attack occurred he was on an airplane bound to Washington, DC from Las Angeles. The plane was grounded shortly after take off. He was not directly involved with the events of 9/11 at the Pentagon.

Abstract: MSG Yong Park was bound back to Washington, DC from Las Angeles on an airplane when the terrorist began to strike. His plane was grounded by the FAA shortly thereafter. He spent the next few hours trying to get a flight back and then rented a car with some other passengers bound for the DC area. They drove strait through and made it back a day later. He was not involved with the effort at the Pentagon since his duties fell mainly in the management of the office personnel at the DCSSPT office on Fort McNair.

SSG Mark W. Erwin, MDW PAO, NCOIC, main contribution to the 9/11 attack was to better organize the PAO effort on Fort McNair to be more efficiently utilized at the Pentagon.

Abstract: SSG Mark W. Erwin is the Broadcast Operations NCIOC of the MDW PAO. He was escorting a media team around when he heard about the WTC being struck. When the Pentagon was hit by the aircraft, he immediately began to organize the PAO assets of MDW in case the DOD PAO and ACS PAO were destroyed. He immediately began accounting for his personnel and assigning tasks to them to help handle the incoming media swarm he expected. They began to make a time line of events and set up a phone line for the incoming media queries. He also began trying to get in contact with the DA PAO, who’s offices were evacuated, and the DOD PAO.

When the recovery action began and MG Jackson, MDW Commander, had been appointed as lead unit of the site, the PAO began to set up an infrastructure to handle the expected media blitz. He stayed on Fort McNair to keep everything organized and to set up support channels to control the network of PAO operations and to maintain accountability.

MSG Eric Proctor is the operations NCOIC with MDW DCSOPS (Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations). He also holds the title of MDW EOC NCOIC when it becomes operational. He insures that the center is fully operational and that all key personnel are manning it properly. He also maintains the access roster.

Abstract: MSG Eric Proctor is the Operations NCOIC with MDW DCSOPS. He was only in the position for approximately two weeks prior to the attacks on 9/11 although he did work in operations position in the past. His primary responsibility is to make sure that the MDW EOC is manned 24 hours a day. He makes sure that the units that are requested for special duties get the proper taskings to complete their mission albeit the taskings were usually post-event.

On the morning of 9/11he was sitting in a meeting when the reports started to come in. As soon as the Pentagon was struck they abjourned the meeting and brought the EOC up to 100%. Even though he was new everything fell in to place without a glitch. After the EOC started he was responsible to keep the control boards updated and a steady update of SITREPS being disseminated. He stayed in the EOC for the first two days before going on a twelve hour night shift. Due to the sensitivity of some of the information in the EOC details were not elaborated on.

Mr. Lynn Harris – the Director of Civilian Personnel for Military District of Washington is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Provided some background information on himself including that he has been in this position for 1½ years. Discusses how the Civilian Personnel Office is organized and the scope of their operation. Relates the events of September 11th as he attempted to get to Ft Belvior to deliver a speech. His attempts to get back to his office at Ft McNair failed and he talks about working from home to do what he needed to do. One of the biggest issues during the first few days was in understanding what happened and to begin to work some of the casualty issues. Overall, he explains, it was a very confusing situation. His office, which normally provides oversight and policy for the Personnel Advisory Centers in the entire MDW area, was faced with unique casualty issues.

MAJ Byrd/LTC Dennis – Provided extremely valuable information on the response of the 503rd MP Battalion to the Pentagon attack and the contingency operations of rules of engagement, access control, physical security, and coordination with military and civilian law enforcement authorities (e.g., MDW MPs, FBI, DPS, etc…).

Abstract: MAJ Byrd and LTC Dennis provided extremely valuable information on the response of the 503rd MP Battalion to the Pentagon attack and the contingency operations of rules of engagement, access control, physical security, and coordination with military and civilian law enforcement authorities (e.g., MDW MPs, FBI, DPS, etc…). They both spoke about the need for better direction on and a “clear command structure understandable by all.” This was a very good interview with great emphasis on lessons learned. Interview was conducted 26 November 2001.

CPT Georgia Haynes – As HHC commander, she devoted most of her time to command and control issues involving her troops and incoming assignees.

Abstract. CPT Georgia Haynes is the HHC Commander located at Ft Myer, VA. She is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. On 9/11 she was involved in Sergeants time training. Her time was spent at Ft Myer in command and control functions. Soldiers assigned to her are involved in different agencies, therefore control was very important.

COL Ronnie McIlwain – His office’s initial efforts were involved in providing funds for emergency efforts. Later he was responsible for capturing the costs and assigning to specific organizations.

Abstract

COL Ronnie McIlwain is the Director of DCSRM at the MDW, Ft McNair. He is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. As a finance officer he is responsible for receiving and moving funds. His office is also responsible from financial tasking to managerial management functions. On 9/11 he was at a general staff meeting. On hearing of the attack he moved back to his duty area. His initial efforts were in providing funding for emergency efforts. Later he was involved in capturing the costs of the recovery effort. Though his normal channels were disrupted he still had to close out the 2001 fiscal year.

Abstract: MSG Corby Dixon – Sergeant Major for the Provost Marshal Ft Belvoir is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses the overall Provost Marshal operations and scope of responsibility. Explains how an access control exercise was all set the take place on 9/11. Critical time saver by having military police and detailed guards already in place for the “exercise”. A great deal of additional time would have been needed to take control of the gates and entry points had it not been for the exercise. Discusses the gate procedures. Provides information on the provost marshal operations after the attack and necessary equipment needed to execute the mission.

Abstract: SSG Ronald Krauklis – NCOIC Traffic Section Ft Belvoir PMO is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. He was serving as a Platoon Sergeant on the day of the attack. Fort Belvoir was undergoing an access control exercise, which was already underway. Fort Belvoir MPs were already at each access point to the post when the attack occurred. Unable to estimate how long gaining control of the gates might have taken without the access control exercise. He was also involved in escorting the remains from the Pentagon to Fort Belvoir. Remains were flown to Dover Air Force Base from Ft Belvoir. He discusses the great show of respect and his personal feelings concerning this mission.

PFC Puffinburger worked as a Military Police patrolman. He gave insight into training and preparedness before and after the attack on September 11th.

Abstract: PFC Paul D. Puffinburger is a Military Police officer for the Ft. Belvoir PMO. PFC Puffinburger worked as a patrollman on September 11th guarding the Davison airfield at Ft. Belvoir. PFC Puffinburger talked about the heightened security on Ft. Belvoir and about longer hours and lack of personnel.

SFC Raymond Parcher – Platoon Sergeant with the Ft Belvoir Provost Marshal Office is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses a little about his background and mission as a Military Police soldier. Relates the platoon structure. Explains that on 11 September they were gearing up for an access control exercise to secure the gates at Ft Belvoir. Challenge on that post is that major roadways past right through Ft Belvoir.

CPT Hyjek – Provost Marshal’s office, discusses bringing Ft Belvoir security up to standard right before attack. Reviewed traffic snarls 1st few days, stories of long hours, and support of military community.

Abstract

CPT William Hyjek, Commander of the Ft Belvoir MP Company is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. CPT Hyjek ensures training, admin., for the post. On Sept. 10, they were planning an “access control” exerciseto start on 9/11. The exercise had been promoted to tenants of the post so everyone was aware that most of the gates were to be closed. The Garrison Commander placed the post at Threatcon D with the news of the attacks. Traffic was backed up for miles on 9/11. He tells about the whole ordeal in detail with stories of long hours, traffic lines and support of military community.

1SG Lee Branham, First Sergeant of the Fort Belvoir Military Policy Company is interviewed by MSG Mike Orvitz, 304th MHD Detachment concerning the 11 September attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provided background information on his military career. Discussed the preparation on 10 September for the Access Control Exercise that was to commence on 11 September. Related the overall process for restricting the access to Fort Belvoir and discussed the shortages of assigned Military Policy (Authorized 72; Assigned 53). Related the events of 11 September beginning with 0400 start of the access control exercise. Talked about how they learned of the World Trade Center and the understanding of the ramifications for Force Protection. He ordered MPs to “lock and load”. Once the Pentagon was hit, the FP level went to DELTA. Related how they released the Rescue Engineers as their pages went off to deploy to the Pentagon. Explained equipment, K9 assets and training used for gate security. Discussed the challenges of shift work and the long hours required for the increased security

Sgt. Thomas G. Truese is a Military Police Patrolman for the Provost Marshal office on Ft. Belvoir. His regular duties include gate guard, patrol of the base and Davison Airfield, and on occasion, Desk Sergeant. On September 11th Sgt. Truese was on night shift recovery when his wife called him about 10A.M. to tell him about the Pentagon. After Sgt. Truese was notified he collected his gear and immediately returned to his company. Sgt. Truese was then put in charge of accountability, and the revision of the work and sleep schedule while the soldiers were in “lock-down”. Sgt. Truese comments on the heightened security of Ft. Belvoir.

COL William Puddy provided extremely valuable information on ALL aspects of the ENTIRE MDW Operation and U.S. Army response too numerous to mention.

Abstract: COL Puddy provided extremely valuable information on ALL aspects of the ENTIRE MDW Operation and U.S. Army response too numerous to mention, however, many of the topics of discussion include: tactical units and high-level staff, exercises and contingency operations, casualty recovery and crime scene, high-stress environment where leaders were put to the test, and civilians and military being forced to work together when not accustomed to the military way of operations. This is also a very important interview for documentation purposes. Interview was conducted 27 November 2001.

NEIT – 353: MAJ James J. Wolff, OCLL, 11/29/01 (Shirer) T/E “Digit”

MAJ Wolff left the Pentagon after hearing an explosion and the orders to evacuate the building. He describes helping several victims to safety as they came out of the Pentagon near the burning fire truck. He also helped organize teams of emergency medical technicians and stretcher-bearers.

MAJ Wolff left the Pentagon after hearing an explosion and the orders to evacuate the building. He describes helping several victims to safety as they came out of the Pentagon near the burning fire truck. He also helped organize teams of emergency medical technicians and stretcher-bearers. He stated that although he knew about the attack on the World Trade Center, it was not conceivable to him that a third plane had attacked the Pentagon, even after he heard “the boom and felt the concussion.” He explains his exit from the building and how he arrived at the helipad, where he found two injured ladies he took to the medics. He describes how he identified and organized Emergency Medical Technician from the crowd of people gathered along I-395. He gives an excellent description of the damage to the exterior of the Pentagon. He worked most of the day by SSG Chris Braman (NEIT-641). He closes with a detail account of his experiences working in the Army Operations Center and at the Visitors Center coordinating VIP visits to the crash site.

CSM Milton Grant. Comments most relevant to training and lessons learned from very senior NCO.

CSM Grant is the Command Sergeant Major for Headquarters Battalion at Ft. Belvoir. His normal duties include customer support, service in the Capitol Region, and administrative support. CSM Milton Grant is also to support the Ft. Belvoir Military Police Company and the Engineer Company also located on Ft. Belvoir.

Ft. Belvoir was already initiating a force protection and limited access exercise on September 11th. CSM Grant was on Pence Gate when he heard about the Trade Centers and the Pentagon. Ft. Belvoir was immediately moved up to threatcon Delta and the Engineer Company was sent to the Pentagon for rescue operations. CSM Grant also coordinated the gate guard schedules to compensate for the loss of personnel that were working at the Pentagon. CSM Grant provided logistical support for the Engineers at the Pentagon.

CPT Aaron Franklin - HHC Cdr, HQ Bn Ft Belvoir. As a former platoon leader for the MDW rescue engineers, he discussed the training and operation of the MDW Rescue Engineers.

CPT Aaron Franklin - HHC Cdr, HQs Bn Ft Belvoir is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Provides information on his background and his duties as headquarters company commander. Most of his focus was on the Belvoir Rescue Engineers where he was a former platoon leader. He discussed the training and operation of the MDW Rescue Engineers.

MAJ Darryl Wilkerson – Bn XO, Ft Belvoir Garrison. BASEOPS support for DLA and tenant activities. Operation Plans for emergency operations. Staging area for operation and integration of support agencies.

Abstract: MAJ Darryl Wilkerson – Battalion Executive Officer, Ft Belvoir Garrison is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Gives information on his background and the function of the Garrison. BASEOPS support for the Defense Logistics Agency and other tenant activities at Fort Belvoir. Explains the Operation Plans for emergency operations (Golden Eagle) and discusses the staging area for operation and integration of support agencies. Talks about the various Ft Belvoir tenants that were involved in the response, i.e. chaplains, engineers, logistics support cell and the staff judge advocate. Gives an explanation of Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI).

Mr. William Harvill relates his extensive responsibilities in the Resources Management office and how his focus shifted to MDW installation access and security issues.

Abstracts

William Harvill is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Director of the Acquisition Center for the MDW. Mr. Harvill oversees 45 personnel in with responsibilities in budgeting, hiring, personnel, advising the installation commander and purchase authority. He is called from the PAC on 9/11 to stand-by if needed. He let his subordinates take the lead on the efforts of the office. As Director of Resources (DREM) his most significant contribution was to recognize that the credit cards needed to have their credit lines increased to $250,000 to meet the needs of the personnel at the Pentagon recovery effort. The most significant leason learned is his suggestion that a formal contingency plan is needed.

CPT Norby Ewing – Commander of an MP company sent to Ft Belvoir to supplement the security there.

Abstract

CPT Norby Ewing is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Commander of the 204th MP Commander from Ft Polk, LA. They were deployed to MDW to support the increased need for security at the installations, not the Pentagon. During a discussion about retention the commander stated that re-enlistments were up due to the increased pride in the soldiers.

CPT Steven L. Nurenburg provided basic information on the search and rescue at the scene of the crash at the Pentagon upon their arrival.

Abstract: CPT Nurenburg provided basic information on the search and rescue at the scene of the crash at the Pentagon upon their arrival. He also spoke about the logistics for the response and how the search and rescue missions were conducted with the FBI and coordination with FEMA to set up the response areas of operations. He mentioned the “Golden Eagle” exercise in which much of the training for such an event took place earlier in the training year before the events of 9-11, and how important it was to have had that training to be able to respond as they did on that day. Interview was conducted 27 November 2001.

LTC Mark Lindon provided basic information on the search and rescue training and the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival.

Abstract: LTC Lindon provided basic information on the search and rescue training and the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival. LTC Lindon gave great praise for the MDW Engineers as they were very instrumental in both the emergency response as well as the recovery operations. He spoke of the intensive training the unit conducts on a regular basis to be able to respond to such disasters, and credits the training for such a well-performed mission. Interview was conducted 28 November 2001.

MAJ Carl Ey provided basic information on the search and rescue training and the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival.

Abstract: MAJ Ey provided basic information on the search and rescue training and the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival. He also spoke of the tactical and non-tactical commo support given at the site and around the DC area in order for communications to function and keep the mission going. He spoke about how the way they trained matched the actual scenario of that day 9-11, and how well it was executed. He also mentioned great interaction with the civilian community in conducting the mission. Interview was conducted 29 November 2001.

Ms. Sylvia Goodman is the DAC, IMO, MDW DCSRM on Fort McNair. She is the assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for resource management. She had direct oversight of all the money that was spent in support of the 9/11 attack. She was the key person that kept track of all of the bills and funding codes.

Abstract: Ms. Sylvia Goodman is the ADCS for resource management. Her duties oversaw: the operating budget team and the accounting and management systems team. Her office is responsible for the budget for all of MDW and the budget execution of all the funds coming into MDW. The budget is about 300 million dollars.

On 9/11, she was close to the end of the fiscal year and she was busy balancing the books. She heard about the WTC being struck by the aircraft and went to find a television or a radio where she found out that another aircraft struck the other building. Soon thereafter the Pentagon was struck and everyone was gathered together and had a conference to try to calm everyone’s nerves. Later that day they were released to go home once the streets and highways were reopened. A lot of the people in her office knew someone who was killed in the attack.

Her office controls all of the money and as such she had to provide a representative to the EOC with the fund codes to pay for the operation. They set up a special account for the operation that was later paid for congress allotted the money. She was the project analyst for Noble Eagle. The money that was coming in for this operation was sorted out to the various accounts that were set up.

Abstract: LTC Lanzillotta was interviewed by CPT (P) Keith Dover, commander, 46th Military History Detachment (MHD), and executive officer of the Operation Noble Eagle MHD Task Force. He provided extremely valuable information on the Pentagon attack and the contingency operations, briefings and intelligence to include securing Washington Office Buildings. He spoke of the details of between the different agencies supported (e.g., FBI, Secret Service, and Defense Protective Service). He spoke briefly about the SIPRNET needed for classified briefings to gather intelligence, and the need to know what the exact threat was in the area following the attack so operations could be conducted more easily. Interview was conducted 29 November 2001.

LTC Tracy Bryant provided extremely valuable information on the Pentagon attack and victim removal operations, and noted there were too many Mental Health Professionals “on scene” which caused more stress for those involved.

Abstract: LTC Bryant provided extremely valuable information on the Pentagon attack and victim removal operations, and noted there were too many Mental Health Professionals “on scene” which caused more stress for those involved. This was extremely important due to the high-stress environment, and it should be noted when the Lessons Learned is prepared. Interview was conducted 29 November 2001.

LTC Eberle discusses the missions her pilots flew on and after 11 September. She also provides detailed information on the battalion family support plan, the support the battalion received from the community, and the morale of her troops.

LTC Eberle discusses the missions her pilots flew on and after 11 September. She also provides detailed information on the battalion family support plan, the support the battalion received from the community, and the morale of her troops. She heard about both attacks via CNN. She immediately ordered the contingency mission crews to prepare to take off and ordered the battalion’s command center to be fully manned. The first mission of the day was transporting the MDW Engineers to Ft. McNair, after that her crews ferried rescue equipment and medical supplies to the Pentagon. She also discusses flying VIPs to the Pennsylvania crash site, transporting the remains from the Pentagon to Davison Army Airfield, and transferring the remains to the Co. A, 159th Avn, for delivery to Dover AFB. She credits her overall military training and the flexibility of Army doctrine as preparing her for command and the events of 11 September. She said that she will never forget her reaction to seeing the Pentagon on the night of the 11th, first the utter sadness of the site and then resolve to carry on her mission.

CPT Bret Vincent - PMO Ft McNair. Liaison with Secret Service and the function at the Joint Operations Center. Mission for MDW before and after 9/11. Scene at the Pentagon and Navy Annex operations that day.

Abstract: CPT Bret Vincent - Provost Marshall Office Ft McNair is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses the mission here at the MDW area before the attack and after the attack. Provides details of his duties and what he was doing on 9/11. Talks about some of the vulnerable areas in the MDW area. One of the first tasks was to establish a liaison between the various law enforcement and public safety personnel. He became the MDW liaison with Secret Service and was one of the officers who manned the Joint Operations Center (JOC) at Ft Myer. Describes the scene at the Pentagon and the activities at the Navy Annex that day and the next week. Good information.

SFC John Preston – PMO, Ft McNair. Information on the Operations Center and the PMO schedule.

SFC John Preston – Provost Marshal Office, Ft McNair is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provides some background information on himself. He was actually at a conference in Grand Rapids Michigan when the attack occurred. He was stuck there for several (4) days and then drove back to the National Capitol Region (NCR). Talks about the frustration of being away from his job and family before he returns to the NCR and his apprehension over his parents being on a cross-country flight that morning from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). Discusses the MP shortages and the augmentees that were sent to NCR to help with security. Explains the Threat Condition (Threat-Con) Levels and the lack of awareness by the general population. Relates his personal reaction after working in the Pentagon for three years and still having many friends and former co-workers working there. Information on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the PMO schedule.

MAJ Daniel Shea – 12th Avn. Mission to transport personnel on 9/11. Discussion of the chain of command for aviation support request. Effects of the FAA no-fly ban.

MAJ Daniel Shea – Battalion Operations Officer for the 12th Aviation Battalion is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses the operation of the aviation battalion at Davidson Airfield. Talks about some of the contingency plans and emergency operation plans. The main mission for the battalion on 9/11 was to transport personnel, many considered VIPs. Estimates are that they logged somewhere in the neighborhood of 300-400 hours in support of the crisis. Discussed some of the maintenance problems with an already understaffed maintenance section and trying to sustain a 24 hour, 7 days a week (24/7) operation. Some of the problems involved civilian maintenance personnel who must be compensated with overtime to remain on duty beyond their normal duty day, unlike military personnel who can work 24 hours a day. Some discussion of the C/159 Aviation and their role in transporting remains. Talked about the chain of command for aviation support request. Effects of the FAA no-fly ban.

LTC Spindler was the Team Chief of the Personnel Contingency Cell and in the PCC at the time of the strike. He tells of the Continuity of Operations activities immediately following the attack, the accountability operations, and subsequent transition to mobilization.

LTC Richon was in the latrine off the 4th Corridor when the plane struck. He emerged to find LTC Brian Birdwell lying on the floor. He helped with his evacuation and helped search for other survivors. He then tells of leaving the building and subsequent operation in the Hoffman Building.

LTC Smith was in the center right part of the ODCSPER bay area when the plane struck and received burns to face and arms. He tells of evacuating the area, his medical treatment, and subsequent return to duty in the Hoffman Building.

LTC McKinnon was standing in the doorway of BG Axson's office at the right rear, C-ring area of the ODCSPER bay when the plane struck. He tells of helping evacuate people from the impact area, then searching for survivors in the general strike area and subsequent activities after moving to the Hoffman Building.

COL Knoblauch was standing near BG Axson's office at the right rear, C-ring area of the ODCSPER bay when the plane struck. He tells of helping evacuate people from the impact area, then searching for survivors in the general strike area and subsequent activities after moving to the Hoffman Building.

CW5 Eggerton was in the Officer Sustainment and Development Branch area when the plane struck. He tells of his and CW5 Barr's escape from the area down the D-ring corridor to Corridor 5, subsequent searching for survivors in the strike area, and final evacuation from the building.

MAJ Brown is the Chief Nurse at the DeLorenzo health Clinic in the Pentagon. She was in charge of emergency response for the Pentagon and describes the Army Medical response throughout the building and surrounding areas.

Ms Parham is the Army Librarian and was at the front of the ODCSPER bay area near the impact site. She was burned in the attack and many people around her killed. She tells of her escape from the area led by Mr. Patrick Smith and subsequent return to duty down in the Hoffman Building.

LTC Fritz is the Director of the ODCSPER Information Management Office. He was in the Wedge One, B-ring area in COL Lewis' office at the time of the attack. He describes helping people escape from the strike area, then leaving the area and going around the building to the impact area where he saw the facade collapse. He also tells of the reconstitution of the ODCSPER information systems in the Hoffman Building.

LTC Bell works in the ODCSPER Information Management Office as the Chief of Systems Planning and was on leave at the time of the attack. He describes his activities subsequent to the attack reestablishing the ODCSPER Local Area Network in the Hoffman Building.

Abstract: COL Hawrylak provided valuable information on the Pentagon attack EOC operations, and provided information about Force Protection and Command and Control. He spoke about the staffing increase in the Emergency Operations Center, and mentioned an AAR that was prepared in November concerning operations that day. Interview was conducted 5 December 2001.

Abstract: CPT Dimarco provided valuable information on the Pentagon attack and victim removal operations, and described the work at times at the scene as an “organized chaos”. He was also a liaison with the FBI, and assisted with the security around the perimeter of the Pentagon following the attack. He also mentioned that CPT McGuire’s wife witnessed the plane crash. Interview was conducted 5 December 2001.

SPC John Wurgler - MDW Rescue Engineers, Fort Belvoir VA worked at the scene to recover remains and assist with the gathering of evidence. Personal account and feelings in response to the attack. Very good young soldier’s perspective of events.

Abstract: SPC John Wurglerprovides some background on himself, including family information. Discusses the training they completed to prepare for the “mission that would never happen”. Confirmed what was heard from other engineers that the training was more difficult than the actual mission. Talks about the time that elapsed from when they were alerted until they were ready to go. Discusses that they were kept on hold at the staging area. Explains that one reason they were held was to not have all the assets at one place in case there was an attack on the Capitol or White House. Very good description of the working conditions inside the building as well as his concerns for the building’s stability. Describes the support to the soldiers on sight as “Unbelievable”. Talks about how anything the soldiers needed was available. Relates the story of the “book” precariously perched on the edge of the blown out building. Personal account and feelings in response to the attack. Very good young soldier’s perspective of events.

SGM Lester Hayes is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. SGM Hayes is the OPS SGM of the MDW DCSOPS. He discusses the 12 contingency plans for the 5 installations in the MDW. He says he is a tasking authority for MG Jackson. He credits the quarterly joint training with FEMA caled Golden Eagle. He said that his primary responsibility was taking care of the troops

CPT Boutelle, 1SG Fitzgibbon – Overview of an MP company sent to Ft Meade to supplement security there.

Abstract

CPT Boutelle and 1SG Fitzgibbon is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They asked to be interviewed together. They are with the 170th MP Co. deployed to Ft Meade, MD. Troops from the 154th, 182d and 571st were reassigned to them to bring them to full strength. They were given a 96hr deployment sequence on 19 Sept. Per their SOP they sent an advance party to Hamilton and Meade. He gives more details of the deployment. Some lessons learned are the need for command and control and a better replacement policy.

MAJ Jeffrey S Smidt is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Operations officer, S-3, for the 3d Infantry (The Old Guard). He gives a strategic overview of TOG involvement at the Pentagon. He describes the three functional sections (Ceremonies, Memorials and Training) ot the TOG. He witnessed the plane on its approach to the Pentagon. A meeting was immediately held with briefings wherapon they executed a contingency plan. He gives the sequence of involvement of the various companies of the TOG and the times. He then goes over the remains recovery effort for evidence and the final debris removal. He lists the names of the key leadership in the staff and company positions. COL Lautenberg, BN Commander, LTC Bryant, XO, CSM Butts, then the Co Commanders. He also gives the names of the battle captains.

Capt Miguel Rosario - Logistician for MDW. He helped manage the logistics flow for the supporting elements working at the Pentagon.

Abstract: Mr. Miguel Rosario is the Commands functional expert on retail supply. He handles the policy, guidance and direction for all of the MDW supply systems.

On 9/11 he was catching up on some office administrative work when his boss called and told him what was happening. He started watching the television in a common area when he heard a loud boom. He rushed outside and saw the smoke billowing from the Pentagon. The commanding General was worried that this situation would cause an unnecessary and unchecked buying binge. So, he was tasked to oversee the checks and balances of all of the accounts. He was not briefed on what the operational parameters of the Pentagon recovery mission. He was uncomfortable second guessing the request of the units at the Pentagon. At the MACOM level he felt he should not have been directly involved with the mission at the Pentagon since it is his offices responsibility to supply policy and guidance not direct intervention.

Mr. Fletchall works as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for operations, plans and security in the MDW DCOPS. His regular duties include managing Directorate Operations, oversee personnel matters and to give operational guidance to the other directorates.

On September 11th Mr. Fletchall was in a staff meeting when the Generals Aide announced the planes that had crashed into the World Trade Centers. When Mr. Fletchall went upstairs to watch the news he saw the smoke from the Pentagon. Mr. Fletchall accessed the situation, activated the EOC from an on call roster. Mr. Fletchall was an advisor on writing the force protection, anti-terrorist and security SOP’s for the Army’s “New Normal.”

Mr. Daniel Pickens, DAC, MDW DCSOPS (Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations) was the contingency plans specialist for MDW. On 9/11 he was the forward observer and liaison for the MDW EOC. He maintained that position for the weeks following the attack from a forward unit code named “Dagger”.

Abstract: When the terrorist began to strike, Mr. Daniel Pickens was dispatched with the mobile emergency response forward observer vehicle knick named “Dagger” to the Pentagon to help set up hands on communications with the other organizations working there. It worked out very well since it had its own communications system that was not based on the local telephone network. While there he was instrumental on getting the information to and fro the EOC for MDW and this help to facilitate logistics that were to become a major factor in a successful mission when MDW took over the sight and its assets tasked with the recovery and clean up.

He was not allowed to go in a lot of detail about the many contingency missions that the Washington area has to be ready for, but he did have some interesting insight on why they should have them.

He also talked in length on how the EOC is set up and some of his duties that he has to perform in the Deputy Assistant Chief’s position.

SPC Fisher is a Military Police officer with McNair. He saw the plane circle and then he saw the smoke and fire of the explosion. When he arrived on scene at the Pentagon he did a walk through with his General to secure documents.

SPC Fisher works as a Military Police officer for the Ft. McNair Provost Marshall’s Office. SPC Fisher and his partner were on patrol at Ft. McNair when he saw the plane circle around and head towards the Pentagon. He felt the concussion of the impact, saw the flames and the smoke. Later on the 11th he was assigned to accompany his general to the Pentagon to walk through the building and secure sensitive documents. Since then SPC Fisher works guard duty as well as patrol at Ft. McNair.

1SG Randal Meyer provides an overview of the mission of the Old Guard soldiers in his organization. Wife was on the road near the Pentagon and saw the plane.

1SG Randal Meyer – Co A 3rd INF Div is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. This unit is the Commander and Chief’s Guard and specifically the “Wig & Tights” or the Revolutionary War depiction unit, which has a mainly ceremonial mission in addition to some contingency operations. Training to keep up soldiering skills was discussed, including participation in the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk. Discussed some of the contingency operations they had prepared for in the past including, most recently, riot control in support of the World Banking Conference. He provides good information on the actual Pentagon site after the attack and his soldier’s role in the rescue/recovery. Wife was on the road near the Pentagon and saw the actual plane.

SFC Ronald Poston – As NCOIC of the Caisson PLT he explained the funeral process at Arlington National Cemetery in the aftermath of 9/11.

Abstract

SFC Ronald Poston is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Platoon Sergeant for the Caisson Platoon, Company H, (TOG), 3d Infantry. Goes into great detail about the operations of the Caisson Platoon. Also tells about his teams that were in Arlington National Cemetery performing funerals. One detachment was returning to the bus when the plane hit. One of his soldiers doing a funeral, knowing about the WTC, pointed to “the” plane and said, “That’s probably one of them”. He tells how funerals were cancelled and how the schedule changed afterward. He supplied a funeral roster.

1LT Gabriel Smith of the Caisson Platoon, H Co, 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard, was the 3rd platoon leader who was in charge of approximately 40 soldiers who worked in the debris fields at the Pentagon sorting through the rubble.

Abstract: 1LT Gabriel Smith of the Caisson Platoon, H Co, 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard, was the 3rd platoon leader who was in charge of some of the troops who worked in the debris fields at the Pentagon. His platoons missions are either ceremonial in nature with some contingency mission training for unrest in the national capitol region.

On 9/11 he was at a range training on there infantry weapons and getting prepped for the following weeks world bank meeting when they received a radio call from HQ to return to Fort Myer because things were happening that needed immediate attention. Soon after he learned what was happening.

It took him about 2 hours to get back. He gave a very descriptive account of the return and what the Pentagon looked like while it was burning. As soon as they got back they were given the mission to prep to go to assist at the Pentagon. After the turn around time it was about 12 o’clock before the hit the ground at the Pentagon. Being in a ceremonial unit they were not mentally prepared for a real life mission.

When they arrived at the Pentagon everything was in a state of confusion and chaos. No one new what the change of command was and there were so many high level officers on the sight it seemed everyone wanted to utilize them. His biggest challenge was to keep his platoon together until he could get a firm grasp of the chain of command and who he needed to report to.

He gave a very accurate an descriptive account of his platoon’s activities during that time.

SGT Brennen Whaley was with his Caisson platoon in Arlington Cemetery and he saw the plane circle into the Pentagon.

Abstract: SGT Brennen Whaley is the Section Sergeant for the 3rd Infantry Caisson Platoon. His main duties include horsemanship, equestrian and caisson equipment maintenance, funeral escorts, horse assignments and care. SGT Whaley and his Caisson Platoon were working a mission at Jackson Circle in Section65 of Arlington Cemetery, across from the amphitheater. SGT Whaley and SPC Chism spotted the plane that crashed into the Pentagon, as it circled Columbia Pike area. The soldiers saw the explosion and felt the concussion as it hit the Pentagon. The Caisson Platoon returned to base for lockdown and accountability.

1SG Robert Watson’s soldiers comprised part of the recovery teams. His interview provides great details of the mission for these soldiers as well as some sobering and graphic accounts of the operation.

1SG Robert Watson – Co E 3rd INF Div is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Information on his background, which interestingly enough began with this company as a Private/E1. Discussed the mission, both ceremonial and contingency, for his soldiers and related the difficulties with attaining and maintaining quality training programs to keep skills up. Soldiers here are really self-motivated and are among the best of the best in the Army. Since these soldiers are the honor platoon, minimum height to serve in this company is 6’3. He related his experiences on 11 Sep and discusses their initial response to the attack. His soldiers comprised part of the recovery teams. His interview provides great details of the mission for these soldiers as well as some sobering and graphic accounts of the operation. Good insight into what senior enlisted leadership were concerned with for their soldiers doing this recovery mission.

CPT Lance B. Green provided valuable information on the Pentagon attack and problems encountered dealing with the media, working in teams when people were calling out for them individually, accountability, and getting “accurate” information out to the troops.

Abstract: CPT Green provided valuable information on the Pentagon attack and problems encountered dealing with the media, working in teams when people were calling out for them individually, accountability, and getting “accurate” information out to the troops. He stressed the importance of having training on how to deal with these situations in the future is important, and also stressed the importance of command and control since his people were being taken and split up by so many different people that it made things very difficult to know where everyone was working. This interview has some really good lessons learned points of interest that need to be addressed. Interview was conducted 7 December 2001.

CW5 Charles (Chuck) Sowles provided extremely valuable information on ALL aspects of the Caisson Platoon support. Also mentions in shocking details about the victims inside the scene.

Abstract: CW5 Sowles spoke about the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon and the area where they were operating when the plane passed overhead on its way toward the Pentagon. He provided extremely valuable information on ALL aspects of the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon support…too numerous to mention. He also mentions shocking details about the victims inside the scene. This is a very good concise and detailed interview that should be documented for any future reports. Interview was conducted 7 December 2001.

Johnson replaced Ernie Wilcher in OGC as Assoc. Deputy GC (HR) in March 2001, and he did his best to help her get up to speed with the job. Wilcher was killed in LTG Maude’s office. In addition to describing her evacuation from the PNT, Johnson focuses on the emotional impact of losing a friend.

Johnson is the Associate General Counsel (Human Resources) in the Office of the General Counsel. She was in her office and heard a “soft pop,” but felt nothing. Then she heard a man’s voice calling for immediate evacuation. She provides a description of moving through the Pentagon and the backup of people in the Concourse. In addition to describing her efforts to contact her husband, she talks in detail about the emotional impact of the attack and the effects on her family [Privacy Act considerations]. The attack affected her personally because Ernest Willcher, the man whose position she assumed and who mentored and prepared her to take over the job, had just joined Booz Allen and was briefing LTG Maude at the time of the attack.

SGM Yarbough describes his efforts to rescue personnel from the Navy SCIF on the C-ring, carrying injured personnel to the triage area, and removing computer equipment from his office 1D624. He also discusses recovering computer equipment from the damaged area beginning on 12 September.

SGM Yarbough describes his efforts to rescue personnel from the Navy SCIF on the C-ring, carrying injured personnel to the triage area, and removing computer equipment from his office 1D624. He also discusses recovering computer equipment from the damaged area beginning on 12 September. He was at his desk when he felt the shock wave from the explosion. He heard SFC Donald Workman (NEIT-226) call for assistance in helping with the injured. He carried a lady to the triage area in north parking and then returned to the building to try and get into the Navy SCIF. He found a hole in the wall, though which he saw the nose of the airplane, unfortunately the hole did not give them access to the SCIF area. He recalls being ordered out of the SCIF area by an admiral after the damaged E-ring collapsed. During the day he returned to the interior of the Pentagon to help build support columns and later helped raise a flag over the Pentagon. He tells about seeing bodies of people he knew while working inside the Pentagon the next day, and helping carry several of them out to the morgue area. He provided a photograph of him and three other raising an American flag over the burn out Ft. Myer fire truck next to the helipad.

Ms. Herlihy was a victim of the attack and received injuries to her back and head from falling debris. She was at her desk in room 1E516 was less than fifty feet from the impact point. She describes her escape from the building and treatment at Arlington Hospital. The interview was ended after she was unable to continue due to the emotional impact of her memories.

Ms. Herlihy was a victim of the attack and received injuries to her back and head from falling debris. She was at her desk in room 1E516 was less than fifty feet from the impact point. She describes her escape from the building and treatment at Arlington Hospital. The interview was ended after she was unable to continue due to the emotional impact of her memories. She provided a typed statement recounting her experience on 11 September. She and a co-worker were trapped inside the Pentagon by debris that had fallen over the 1st floor windows. A rescuer heard her shouts and began to clear the rubble and then pulled her and her co-worker out of the smoke filled room. A fireman carried her to the triage area where she was treated and evacuated by ambulance to Arlington Hospital. She received IV fluids and oxygen during the trip to the hospital. She was in the emergency room for five hours. She did not state how long she spent in the hospital.

BG(P) Karol Kennedy. Commander of 99th RSC was in the building at time of impact. Spoke to escaping the building.

BG Kennedy was in the Pentagon the morning of the attack due to Reservist conference. Was aware of the WTC attacks by emails from her husband and aide on her Palm Pilot. Felt a shock and was told they had to evacuate. Felt her role as a General Officer was to lead by example and follow the instructions of those clearly in charge of the evacuation. Images that stuck with her was the woman knitting outside surrounded by purses and other personal affects. Past evacuation drills at the Pentagon were chaotic and had no medical play – and now with new fire doors and klaxons sounding led to greater confusion. Instructions from loudspeakers were garbled; never heard those used during a drill. Seems there was no good way to evacuate handicap in this instance. Accountability of those in meeting took several days to happen. Had serious trepidation about public transportation.

Mr. Thomas Watchko – Dir of Contracting. Information on some of the support cost as a direct result of 9/11. An interesting part of this interview concerned the transporting of Medical Maggots for use with some of the severely burned victims.

Abstract: Mr. Thomas Watchko – Director of Contracting is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Information on some of the support cost as a direct result of 9/11. One of his offices first tasking was to secure 100 area hotel rooms. Interviewee provided a consolidated list of all the contracting expenditures in support of 9/11 that is included in the document file of this collection. An example of some of the contracting expenditures would be portable toilets for the Pentagon site. An interesting part of this interview concerned the transporting of Medical Maggots for use with some of the severely burned victims.

Mr. Decker was leaving Pentagon for a meeting thru the 2nd corridor exit when he saw the plane approach and then hit the building.

Abstract: Robert Decker is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is located at 2A684. He works in the as a Natural Resources Specialist for the office of the Director of Environmental Programs. He was heading to a meeting on 9/11. He was hurrying out of the Pentagon corridor 2 exit jut catching the plane to the right and hearing the following collision. He realized at the time that this was an attack and that there would be an immediate evacuation so he left the area. He was back to work the next day at their Edgewood, MD office.

Mr. Robert Jaworski lost more people out of his office than any other manager. Featured in the press w/interviews. This one was very emotional.

Abstract: Mr. Jaworski lost more people out of his office than any other manager in the Pentagon (34 out of 65 employees, and 4 critically injured). He was featured in the press w/interviews. This interview was extremely emotional and should be documented for any future information gathering about the casualties or the victim’s families since he had to deal with the situation from several different angles. He also had an employee whose remains were never identified. He added a name of one of his employees that witnessed the plane hitting the Pentagon: Yolanda Burslie as a possible interview prospect. Interview was conducted 11 December 2001.

Abstract: Ms. Anderson and Ms Weaver work for Mr. Jaworski, who lost more people out of his office than any other manager in the Pentagon (34 out of 65 employees, and 4 critically injured). This was a very emotional interview because they knew many of the victims personally. Ms Anderson lost nine out of her area alone who were close friends/co-workers. Ms. Weaver was near the impact area and lost her footing as the explosion blew her down with force from the impact of the plane crashing into the Pentagon. This interview has extremely important emotional input. Interview was conducted 11 December 2001.

Boren interview focused primarily on mobilizing units out of Ft. Eustis and issues surrounding mobilization. According to Boren there was no real SOP and institutional knowledge left from the Gulf War. Mr. Boren was later moved out of this position.

Abstract: SPC Bridges provided basic information about the Company C, 3rd U.S. Infantry response. SPC Bridges spoke of the search and rescue missions conducted at the Pentagon scene, and mentioned that there had not been training for this type incident since they spend most of their time training in a field environment. This interview has extremely important emotional input. Interview was conducted 14 December 2001.

Abstract: SPC McKuen provided basic information about the rifle platoon, 3rd U.S. Infantry response, and spoke about how the unit already had their rucksacks packed since their training teaches them that as infantrymen. This made them readily available when the call came for them to respond to the Pentagon scene to provide security. He spoke about their interaction with the FBI and civilians from the Tennessee volunteers which both went great. Interview was conducted 14 December 2001.

Abstract: SFC Roberts provided basic information about the Company C, 3rd U.S. Infantry response. He also described the debris removal and the “stressful” situation of having to deal with the recovery operations of casualties from inside the attack area, and spoke of the high morale of the service members during the event. Interview was conducted 14 December 2001.

PFC Nash was on leave on the 11th. He returned on the 12th to help with the recovery effort at the Pentagon.

PFC John W. Nash- PFC Nash was on leave on September 11th but he was recalled to return to base on September 12th. PFC Nash is in 2nd squad 3rd platoon in Charlie Company 3rd Infantry. PFC Nash helped in the recovery effort at the Pentagon. He helped remove rubble, search for body parts, and helped with the shoring. Most of Charlie Company worked with the Engineers and the FBI to identify and bag remains.

PFC Leto participated in recovering remains at the Pentagon after the attack.

Abstract: PFC Dennis Leto is a member of the firing party for the 21-gun salute for ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery. His duties include presidential escorts, Present Arms, funeral escorts, and the 21-gun salute. PFC Leto was outside the company when he heard the explosion and felt a slight concussion when the plane hit the Pentagon. PFC Leto was instructed to get his A-bag, change into BDU’s and draw his weapon and riot control gear. PFC Leto assisted in the recovery effort at the Pentagon. PFC Leto feels that a better contingency plan needs to be in place for the future.

Sgt. Broderick is a squad leader for Charlie Company, 3rd U.S. Infantry, the Old Guard. Sgt. Broderick’s squad participated in the recovery effort after the attack on the Pentagon September 11th. Sgt. Broderick was concerned for the safety of his squad because of the building was unstable in areas and the fumes and smoke from the fuel burning were overwhelming at times. Sgt. Broderick helped with the shoring of the Pentagon in the destroyed areas, finding and reporting remains, and the removal of debris.

PFC Leo Sadler – View of young enlisted soldier. This was a gripping account of a young soldier working in the Pentagon after the attack and the recover work that he and his fellow soldiers had to do. Very engaging and articulate.

PFC Leo Sadler of Charlie Company, 3rd U.S. Infantry, the Old Guard, was at his company on September 11th. He spoke of the immediate accountability and how they guarded the company. When Pfc. Sadler did go with his unit to the Pentagon he helped in the recovery effort by moving rubble, finding remains, and shoring up the building. Pfc. Sadler explains how difficult emotionally as well as physically his job was at the Pentagon.

Ms Pauline is the Chief Community Relations PAO for Fort Belvoir. One of her major responsibilities was to sort through the flood of relief aid that came into the MDW. She was also a casualty assistance volunteer for CSM Strickland who lost her husband in the attack at the Pentagon.

Abstract: Ms. Pauline Hunter is the Chief Community Relations PAO for Fort Belvoir. Because of her position she was responsible for the influx of donations that flooded the MDW area after the terrorist struck on 9/11. Some one the items were batteries, food, money, clothing, etc. The variety was as great as the outpouring of gifts. But, because of the Federal laws governing gifts given to military personnel she had quite a job keeping track of items coming in, especially when they came in boxcar loads.

After the tragedy of 9/11 she volunteered to be a casualty assistance officer for one of two people’s families that lost a loved one from Fort Belvoir. She did not go into detail of her responsibilities sighting the FOIA but she was did give a very patriotic and emotional account on how it affected her.

Mr. Donald Carr is the Director of Public Affairs at Ft. Belvoir. Mr. Carr talks about force protection issues at the Public Affairs Office and at Ft. Belvoir. Mr. Carr also speaks of the initiation of the Emergency Operation Center and having a Public Affairs representative there 24-7.

Mr. Donald Carr works at Ft. Belvoir as the Director of Public Affairs. On September 11th, Mr. Carr states that there was already an exercise in Force Protection activated and there was already access control being practiced. Mr. Carr helped his co-workers to prioritize their efforts and he activated the Crisis Action Team. His military personnel were dispatched to help with the access control effort so they were not available for the PAO missions. Mr. Carr also helped start the Emergency Operations Center that had a Public Affairs representative there at all times.

Mr. Carr talks of his involvement with casualty assistance victims and he also states a quality timeline of events.

George Aman saw the faces of the passengers of Flight 77 as it flew overhead at at 100 feet.

Mr. George Amen works as a surveyor at Arlington National Cemetery. On September 11th Mr. Amen was working in his office at the cemetery when he heard a noise and looked out his window to see the approach of flight 77 about 100 feet off the ground. Mr. Amen said he could actually see the faces of the passengers as the plane flew past his window.

Mr. Stafford saw the approach of the plane at Arlington Cemetery. He ran for cover because the plane was flying so low.

Abstract: Mr. Darrell Stafford was working outdoors at Arlington Cemetery when the aircraft that crashed into the Pentagon flew overhead so low that all the cemetery workers ran for cover. According to Mr. Stafford, the aircraft barely topped the Navy building. Mr. Stafford said he watched as a second large aircraft tailed the first aircraft. The second aircraft was light gray in color and looked to be possibly military. The second aircraft seemed to bank off sharply as aircraft #1 headed for the Pentagon. Mr. Stafford said he felt the heat as the explosion took place at the Pentagon.

Abstract: Mr. Donnie Willett – Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses his job at the cemetery and what he was doing on the day of the attack. He was on the grounds at ANC when the plane hit the Pentagon and gives an eyewitness account. Describes the resulting fireball from the explosion. Expresses his personal feelings on that day. A good eyewitness account of the explosion.

Mr. Darius Prather was exiting a maintenance building nearest the Pentagon when he saw the plane rise up over the Navy Annex and then accelerate and dive for the Pentagon. Dove for the ground. Observed another plane avoid the area and veer off.

Abstract

Darius Prather is interviewed by SFC Mark Mantini and SFC Dennis Lapic, 305th MHD, about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Mr. Prather is a gardener at the Arlington National Cemetery. On 9/11 he was in the maintenance area of the Cemetery at the time. He was just leaving the last building nearest the Pentagon when he heard the loud scream of jet engines. He looked up to see the airliner rise up over the Navy annex and as it cleared the building it dove and accelerated towards the Pentagon. He took cover as the plane hit. He describes this scene. He also talks about seeing another plane that he could not accurately describe. He says that it was at a low level and was flying towards it from the northwest and veered-off at the last minute.

Mr. Melton Parker – Arlington employee saw a second plane after hearing the first plane hit. He saw the second plane circle away from the Pentagon. This may be the C130 sent to check out what was happening.

Abstract

Melton Parker is interviewed by SFC Mark Mantini and SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Mr Parker was hesitant to give an interview. He was not a very talkative person. He works as a mechanic at Arlington National Cemetary at the maintenance facility. It is located across Rt 27 from the Pentagon. On the morning of 9/11 Mr Parker saw and heard the inbound plane. He and other employees typically step out of their offices for scheduled fly-overs. That morning they heard a plane, but none were scheduled to flyover, so they stepped out to observe when they saw the low flying plane heading for the Pentagon. What is unusual is that Mr. Parker says that after the plane made contact he looked up and saw that another plane was circling overhead. He claims that it was a military plane, though he could not identify what kind of plane. He said he is a veteran and knows a military plane when he sees one.

NEIT – 424: SFC Fred W. Brown, Jr., MDW Engineers (Dover) T/R, AA

SFC Brown provides valuable insight into the response and rescue efforts of the MDW Engineer Company. He gives vivid details of searching for and identifying victims and of general recovery efforts within the Pentagon. SFC Brown lost his mother-in-law, Martha Reszke, who worked as a budget analyst in the E-Ring at the time of the attack.

Abstract: SFC Brown discussed the MDW Engineer response to the attack on the Pentagon. He spoke about how they [MDW Engineers] were able to load up and ready to roll in some 45 minutes, which normally takes up to two hours…much in part due to the way they conduct their battle drill and reporting to the unit orderly room with gear already there. They are also prepared for flight and utilized the Davidson Army Airfield for the “first wave” responders that were sent into the area ahead of the others. Not only did he speak of his role in a leadership position as a platoon sergeant, but he also spoke of the emotional problems created when he was made aware that he had lost his mother-in-law during the attack who was found by his troops in the search and rescue mission. This was very hard for him and he talked freely about how that played a role in the command’s decision to pull him off the work site. He later talked about how leadership needs to be sensitive to such a situation in case it ever happens again. This interview is extremely emotional and has a great lesson learned in that troops should not be place in this type situation when a loved ones loss is anticipated or even a possibility. Interview was conducted 17 October 2001.

NEIT – 425: SPC Johnnie Sanders, Co. C, 3d Inf, 12/14/01 (Lapic), AA

SPC Johnie Sanders explained Old Guard duty at Pentagon 9/11. He said Charlie Company was in first. Order was 3d platoon first followed by the 2nd, then the 1st platoon. They did recovery duty the following 2 weeks looking for bodies and body parts.

Abstract

SPC Jonnie Sanders is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. SPC Sanders is an infantryman with TOG. He said Charlie Company was in first. Order was 3d platoon first followed by the 2nd, then the 1st platoon. Before noon the first day they stood guard at various places at the Pentagon. He relates their various duties they did the succeeding days thru the weekend at the Pentagon before being moved to the North Parking lot for one week of remains recovery duty.

John Beauchamp and Eric Diehl – Impromptu interview with two Arlington Landscape managers who saw plane pass their office windows and crash. Also explained they believed 2nd aircraft to be a commuter that routinely passed over at that time.

Abstract

Mr. John Beauchamp and Mr. Eric Diehl are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They are Urban Foresters at Arlington National Cemetery. Their offices face the flight path of flight of Flight 77 with the Navy Annex on their right and the Pentagon on their left. They said that they could hear then see the plane approach from the right heading left. They said that the plane was so close that they could see the faces of some people in the window. When asked their expression, one responded “resignation”. Mr. Beauchamp said that the second plane was probably a commuter plane, the only plane that regularly flew over the cemetery that time of day. He felt that the ‘veering-off’ reported by others (Darius Prather and Melton Parker) was evasive action being taken by that aircraft and that it was not a military aircraft.

William J. Middleton saw Flight 77 overhead from the motor pool in Arlington National Cemetery.

Abstract

William J Middleton is interviewed by SFC Mark Mantini and SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Mr. Middleton was operating heavy equipment in Arlington National Cemetery in an area up the hill from the service complex across a lane from section 8 there. He had a vantage point that gave him a view of the Pentagon. He saw the plane fly in low and hit the Pentagon. He said that he was so focused on what was happening that he almost lost control of the equipment he was operating. He describes in detail the events unfold.

Russell E. Roy – Arlington employee was in a maintenance building when plane hit and as he exited he saw a second plane.

Abstract

Russell E Roy is interviewed by SFC Mark Mantini and SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is a mechanic at Arlington National Cemetery working in the Service Complex. He discusses how he was exiting building 123 in the Service Complex nearest the Pentagon to return dirty uniforms. He describes what he saw and his reaction when the aircraft struck. He says he saw a second airplane.

NEIT – 429: PFC Adam Sorkin, Co. C, 3d Inf, 12/14/01 (Lapic), AA

PFC Adam Z. Sorkin – Charlie Company soldier tells how his plt was used to do recovery of bodies from the Pentagon. He also tells how they were used to look for body parts in the north parking lot area. Says some soldiers need more counseling –weren’t coping.

Abstract

PFC Adam Sorkin is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is from the 1st squad, 3d platoon, Charlie Company, TOG. On 9/11 they were taken to the rescue scene at the Pentagon. They were issued face masks, but did not participate in rescue efforts that day. They were taken back to Ft Myer that evening. On the 12th they set-up tents in the parking lot. He wasn’t sure about following days. They did recovery work the second week. He said they did security for the FBI the third week. He said though counseling was offered he critiques the lack of follow-up counseling for soldiers.

NEIT – 430: PFC David Miller, Co. C, 3d Inf, 12/14/01 (Lapic), AA

PFC David Miller – TOG soldier worked from the third day pulling security in the north parking lot of the Pentagon.

Abstract

PFC David Miller is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is an 11B, infantry, of the 1st Paltoon, Charlie Company, TOG. The 1st Plt is the Escort and Colors Platoon. The 1st Platoon was at Ft Belvoir for honors duty on 9/11. They didn’t get involved at the Pentagon till the 3d day according to the PFC. They then went to the North parking lot to pull security around the FBI. He talks about some of the perks offered by concerned donors. He got a massage and met a Washington Redskin football player.

Abstract: Mr. Mani Chief, Internal Communications for MDW, provided basic information on the Public Affairs and Media Communications of MDW during the response following the attack on the Pentagon. He also spoke about the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Joint Operations Center (JOC) in relation to their missions of dealing with the media. He also provided a 20-page document dealing with the JOC operations. Interview was conducted 17 December 2001.

SPC Edgar Gonzales tells about published Inside the Wire newsletter for people at Camp Unity.

Abstract

SPC Edgar Gonzalez is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is with the PAO at Ft McNair, DC. On 9/11 he was passing out fliers for the upcoming “Spirit of America” performance. He headed back to the office as soon as he heard of attack. SFC Bean anticipated the attack when he saw the events unfolding at the WTC. SSG Mark Erwin, PAO NCOIC, began preparations. Under direction of Tom Mani, Edgar started and edited the newsletter Inside the Wire. Donna Wenner of the Defense Printing Agency agreed to print the issues. They published 7 issues before halted.

PFC Jeffrey Drozd helped with the clean up and recovery efforts inside the Pentagon. He had the morbid task of finding remains in the rubble and trying to identify them.

PFC Jeffery Drozd is a member of the Full Honors Firing Squad, Charlie Company, 3rd U.S. Infantry, the Old Guard. On September 11th, when the attack on the Pentagon took place and the alarms at Ft. Myer were sounded, PFC Drozd was gathered for accountability, grabbed his A-Bag and proceeded to guard Charlie Company area. When PFC Drozd was sent to the Pentagon to assist in the recovery effort his main tasks were to find and identify remains, as well as removing debris and helping the engineers to shore up certain unstable areas of the Pentagon.

Abstract: PFC Charles Martin of C Co, 3rd US Infantry did not wish to talk and felt he was being coerced into talking about a subject he did not want to face. He was a young soldier and this was his first taste of the horrors of war. He was very vehement about not wanting to talk and the interview ended.

Abstract: PV2 Nathan Schilling of C Co, 3rd US Infantry was not interested in being interviewed. He was a young soldier that was not adjusting well to a regimented life in the Army and was frequently getting into trouble over minor infractions. He was not prepared for his first experience to a mass casualty situation that had occurred at the Pentagon and as such was very much considering exiting the service as soon as possible.

Mr. Dennis Joyner was the DCS MDW SA (Deputy Chief of Staff for MDW Signal Agency. The interview was a wide-ranging discussion on terrorism and how communications were being revised after the phone systems were locked up on 9/11 after the attack.

Abstract: Mr. Dennis Joyner was the DCS for MDW SA. He is also a CW3 in the Maryland National guard. He was very knowledge about communications and information technology. He is responsible for giving guidance to the individual installations on information technology and assist those installations in any problems that may arise and then brief the general on the status of information technology in MDW.

He was just leaving a meeting that broke up because of the attacks in New York. He was walking across the parking lot when he heard the airplane strike the Pentagon. He began to make preparations on releasing non-essential personnel and trying to determine who would be needed to support the EOC.

Being the director of communications he had to address the problems of the phone system and Verizon. The system was simply overloaded. They had to result to using non-tactical unsecured radio systems until they were able to get their tactical radios back on line. They are currently looking into a internal cell phone system that will be closed except for the National Capitol Region.

He then started to work with the EOC to improve the communications with the installations internal to MDW and some of the force protection issues that needed to be addressed.

Mr. Templeton describes the operations of the Army Family Support Center in providing aid and comfort to the families of Army personnel who were killed or injured on 11 September.

Mr. Templeton describes the operations of the Army Family Support Center in providing aid and comfort to the families of Army personnel who were killed or injured on 11 September. He was preparing to leave his Arlington office for a meeting in the Pentagon when he heard about the attack on it. He discusses the first steps his organization took to prepare to set up an Army Family Assistance Center at Ft. Myer and the merging of its operation into the PFAC. He describes the establishment and organization of the Pentagon Family Assistance Center (PFAC) that was established by LTG John P. Van Alstyne at the Sheraton Hotel in Crystal City. He lists the dozens of federal, state, and private organizations that provided volunteers to operate the PFAC and services for the victim’s families. The PFAC ceased operations on 12 October, however, it was replaced by the Pentagon Family Resource and Referral Office (PFRRO) from 13 October to 1 November. The PFRRO provided counseling services, continued help in getting survivor benefits, and Casualty Assistance Officers. It did not provide housing or daily briefings as had the PFAC. The third phase of the operation began when the PFRRO closed. This phase focused on coordinating the efforts of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force Family Service organizations in continuing to provide assistance to the families in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. He closes with his comments on what could have been done better and the changes that will be made based upon what was learned in this disaster.

Ms. Mills worked at Ft. Belvoir managing funds and events for soldiers to raise moral after the attack on the Pentagon. Also performed crisis management duties.

Ms. Mills is the chief of Moral, Welfare and Recreation Department at Ft. Belvoir. He parent unit is the Directorate of Personnel and Community Activities. Ms. Mills job is as a director for the Sports centers, libraries, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, auto and craft shops, archery ranges, the bow hunting program with check station, pools and clubs. Ms. Mills tried to keep facilities open after the attack to preserve moral of the soldiers. She also helped set up extended stay childcare for Pentagon victims and workers. Ms. Mills feels the contingency plan that was in place on September 11th was not adequate but she acknowledges that they are now revising the plan to be more suitable in the event of another attack.

1LT Steven K Uejio told about a TOG funeral during attack and Initial response Team. Explains in-processing, briefing of rescue workers and decon process at camp unity. Tells of relations with FEMA and FBI and detail of shoring and recovery process on 2nd floor of Pentagon.

Abstract

1LT Steven K Uejio, 3d Plt, D co, 3d Inf (TOG) is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. This platoon is the “firing party” platoon. They were on “primary week”, the week of 9/11. Primary means that they are on funeral duty...their primary duty. They were 800 meters from the attack. He said that Charlie Company was the first on the scene. He discusses a funeral going on at the time of the attack and the decision process of whether to do more funerals. He discusses the IRC (Initial Response Company), details of “in-processing” onto the site, decontamination, tyvek suits, protective mask briefing, and contact with FEMA. He also explains the process of how collapsed areas of the Pentagon were shored by the MDW Engineers, given an all-clear and their involvement in that process. They cleared debris on the 2nd floor of the E ring.

1SG Donald M Campbell tells about duties of platoons in his company. SFC Boatwright saw plane go down; CPT Cunningham and SFC Rickenbacker policed Arlington along with FBI; Caisson platoon in Arlington during attack and of company’s night shift recovery work of plane and body parts.

Abstract

1SG Donald M. Campbell is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the 1SG of D Company. Says SFC Boatwright of the company saw the plane fly by. Cpt Cunningham and SFC Reckenbacker of the 1st Platoon worked with the FBI policing Arlington National Cemetery for debris from the crash. He said the Caison Plt watched from Arlington Nat’l. B company had the night shift of the work rotation. They did recovery of plane parts and body parts.

NEIT – 441: CSM Aubrey Butts, 3d Inf, 12/19/01 (Majors) T/R, AA

CSM Aubrey Butts – Excellent account of 9/11. Wife works at the Pentagon and was there that day. Good detail on the soldiers and their duties at the site. Very good senior leadership perspective.

CSM Aubrey Butts – 3rd IN Div is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee gives a little on his background and the mission of the Old Guard. Talks about the training program to keep the soldier skills up including riot control training for the World Banking Conference. Excellent account of 9/11. Heard a muffled explosion and looked at his computer screen. He had received a message from his wife 15-20 minutes before, who works at the Pentagon, saying she was afraid after hearing about the World Trade Center. Very complimentary on how the young soldiers reacted. Soldiers had begun to block off and secure the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers without instructions or orders. Talks about the inside of the Pentagon and how it looked. Concerns for his soldiers from environmental hazards. Good detail on the soldiers and their duties at the site. Very good senior leadership perspective.

SSG Mike Hope believes he saw plane just before attack. Discusses the joint operation with FEMA, Arlington Fire Department and the Ft Belvoir Rescue Engineers. Good information on the mission stress on the soldiers and on community support.

SSG Mike Hope, Co D, 3rd IN Div is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Discusses the mission of the squad and what training they complete to be prepared for contingencies. Believes he saw plane just before attack. Some of his soldiers were in Arlington National Cemetery and saw plan from there. He discusses the joint operation with FEMA, Arlington Fire Department and the Ft Belvoir Rescue Engineers. Provides insight into the effects on soldiers and a leaders perspective of concerns. Good information on the mission stress on the soldiers and on the outstanding community support provided at Camp Unity by the Salvation Army and Red Cross.

Mr. Thomas Peske was a public affairs specialist who was hired by MDW to help produce the “Spirit of America” show. Unfortunately his first day of work was on 9/11 and he ended up on phone watch for the next month.

Abstract: Mr. Tom Peske was a former Navy PAO who after his service finished school to become a broadcast specialist. He was hired to help produce the upcoming “Spirit of America” show when on his first day of work a terrorist flew an airplane into the Pentagon. Since he did not have enough experience to actively assist with PAO concerns at MDW, he was placed on phone watch and for the next 30 days or so he took messages and shuffled them to the intended personnel. That was the extent of his involvement with the 9/11 attack.

CPL Hector Torres is a supply sergeant for C Co, 3rd US Infantry. He was very talkative but unfortunately he was not involved with the reactionary forces that assisted at the Pentagon. There was little pertinent information about the events of 9/11.

Abstract: CPL Hector Torres is a supply Sergeant with C Co, 3rd US Infantry. He was very talkative but was not involved with the events on 9/11 or the recovery efforts that transpired later. He was very opinionated about the terrorist attacks and was willing to give his outlook on the impact that it was having on the country.

1LT Mariano Wecer is a platoon commander for D Co, 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard. He gave an insightful account of his platoon during the supportive role they played in the attack at the Pentagon. His platoon’s main function was to continue with the schedule of ceremonies that they are tasked to support. He was very adamant when he said he did not want to miss the war while in a ceremonial unit.

Abstract: 1LT Mariano Wecer- 1LT Mariano Wecer is the 1st platoon leader for Company Delta, 3rd infantry, the Old Guard. 1LT Wecer heard the plane fly overhead and he heard the alarms go off at Ft. Myer. 1LT Wecer immediately assigned his NCO's to get accountability of their troops. After 100% accountability had been established 1LT Wecer placed guards around the building, sent soldiers to get a-bags and protective masks, he also sent for radio communications to be set up. His soldiers continued to do their ceremonial missions and 1lt Wecer attended to his duties of continuing to take care of his soldiers needs and the needs of the Army.

SSG LuBrano of Delta Company, the Old Guard, explains how emotionally draining the Pentagon recovery effort was for himself and his soldiers.

Abstract: SSG Peter D. LuBrano is a squad leader in Delta company, 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard at Ft.Myer. On September 11th SSG LuBrano was practicing for the “Spirit of America” show at Conmy Hall when he first heard about the world trade centers. When he went outside he heard the explosion from the Pentagon and saw the smoke and flame. SSG LuBrano immediately evacuated his soldiers from the building for safety and accountability. The squad prepped for the contingency operations. This included prepping vehicles and equipment, and receiving radios. SSG LuBrano went to the Pentagon on the 14th of September to help with the search and rescue mission, shoring, and debris removal.

CPT Peterson describes the recovery effort of the Old Guard at the Pentagon. Explains soldier’s duress at finding remains.

Abstract: CPT Benjamin Peterson is the Platoon Leader for Second Platoon, 3rd Infantry. [Note: Verify rank/position] He was the leader of the Casket team. On September 11th CPT Peterson was performing ceremonial duties at Arlington Cemetery during the attack. All casket missions were canceled but the bus that carried the casket teams was halted at the gate back into Ft. Myer for approximately 2 hours. CPT Peterson felt that the Contingency Plan was not adequate. Uniforms were changed into BDU’s and A-Bags were packed. Second Platoon was on stand-by until 2200 hours. On September 12th they went to the Pentagon and worked with FEMA, the FBI, and Fire and rescue workers. CPT Peterson helped soldiers perform bodypart searches, remove debris, hauling bodybags, and bringing in lumber to help with the shoring of the building.

NEIT – 448: SSG Roy Kennedy, Co. D., 3d Inf, 12/19/01 (Strand), AA

SSG Kennedy saw the explosion at the Pentagon and his unit helped with the recovery effort.

Abstract: SSG Kennedy is the third squad leader for third platoon, the Old Guard, Company D. On September 11th his squad was in primary week. Their duties included uniform prep and performing the 21 gun salutes at funerals in Arlington Cemetery. SSG Kennedy watched the Trade Centers at the unit dayroom and one of his soldiers informed him that the Pentagon had been hit. All members of Delta Company immediately changed into BDU’s and grabbed their “A-Bag” that held their rucksack, LCE, and Kevlor. They had a formation for accountability and remained in a loose formation for approximately 2 hours before they were released. The following day they were taken to the Pentagon to perform security and site clean- up.

Abstract: CSM Alex Lackey is is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. As CSM of the Army Reserve he had many interviews about 9/11 and didn’t want to discuss his activities then. He did discuss mobilization issues. He said reservists deserve BAH per Title 37 at the rate where his family resides, not where the soldier is deployed. Reservists are also entitled to partial per diem as well as rations-in-kind but not separate rations and mess hall privileges too. He said that the US is not a theater of war.

MS Tracy L Peth tells about her duties as Team Chief for Spirit of America and how it was canceled due to 9/11.

Abstract

Tracy L Peth is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She is the Spirit of America Tea Chief. She was promoting the upcoming SOA for the fall of 2001 for DC and Columbus, Ohio. All was put on hold and she assisted the PAO, Ft Myer, VA, at the JIB (Joint Information Bureau) set up at Henderson Hall. The Pentagon had planned that the press would go to Henderson Hall for new releases and briefings. JIB was dismantled when it was determined that it would not work there. The SOA had to be cancelled after the commander decided too much gong on. She explains contacting every ticket holder to notify them of the cancelled show. Discussed plans for the 2002 show. Got copies of all the promotional items

Abstract: MAJ Canfield provided basic information about the 3rd U.S. Infantry response and noted how the calmness of the soldiers and leadership was very instrumental to success during the emergency response. He also made mention that the 3rd U.S. Infantry hasn’t been activated since WWII. MAJ Canfield spoke about the Tyvek suits and how one of the people he knew (Kenny Gant from Bio Services) helped get them on site soon after the attack. Interview was conducted 19 December 2001.

Abstract: Mr. Bill Parsons – Director Personnel and Community Activities is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Gives an overview of his support function at Ft Belvoir for the MDW community. Explains the scope of the Moral, Welfare and Recreation office for the area. Explanation of the Mission Essential Venerable Areas (MEVA), Crisis Management Teams and the Terrorists Response Exercise. Information on the casualty assistance programs available. Gives his own personal accounts of the events of 9/11 and the near term responses of his office and Fort Belvoir. Discusses the sensitivity issues of canceling planned “social” activities in respect to the tragedy.

SSG John J. Lorme provided basic information on the search and rescue at the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival, and noted “too much security” was being placed on those military service members in uniform.

Abstract: SSG Lorme provided basic information on the search and rescue at the scene at the Pentagon upon their arrival, and noted “too much security” was being placed on those military service members in uniform. He spoke about the fact that he had never received training in terrorism response and spent most of his time performing ceremonies. Interview was conducted 19 December 2001.

Abstract: SFC Schuck witnessed the plane (Flight 77) go over Ft. Myer as it headed toward the Pentagon at a very low altitude. He also added information about how they had to deal with the removal of casualties from the scene of the attack, and how there needs to be some type of training given in how to deal with it for those who have to perform that type of mission. He spoke also about debris removal along with the bodies removed. This was a very good interview with important factual information on the plane being witnessed. Interview was conducted 19 December 2001.

Abstract: SSG Peeples provided basic information about the Company D, 3rd Infantry response. He spoke of riot training, but nothing had been trained upon to prepare him or his unit for this type of terrorist attack and emergency response to follow. There wasn’t much useful information in this particular interview. Interview was conducted 19 December 2001.

NEIT – 457: SSG Mark A. Fortier, Co. D., 3d Inf, 12/20/01 (Lapic), AA

SSG Mark A Fortier – Good account of a Full Honors funeral by 1st Plt, D Co at Arlington.

Abstract

SSG Mark A Fortier is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. As 1st squad leader of the 1st platoon, D Company, TOG, he said it was full honors week at Arlington. He explains what is involved in a full honors funeral and who is entitled to receive one. They started to prep for a full honors funeral at 0430 on 9/11 for a 0900 funeral. They were finishing it when the plane hit the Pentagon. Though Delta Company was first response that week, Charlie Company was sent to the Pentagon 9/11. 9/12 1st Plt Delta went. (While they were there he said CSM Butts yells, “run for your lives”). He gives the chronology of what companies and platoons went and when.

First Sergeant Jeffrey W. Philips is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is just reporting to duty as the new 1SG on 9/20/01. He had to go through orientation and allowed the acting 1SG to handle that position since he was familiar with the D Company personnel. He gives some good outsider’s point of views.

Keywords

D Co., 1SG, outsider viewpoint

NEIT – 459: SFC Larry Driscoll, Co. D., 3d Inf, 12/20/01 (Lapic), AA

SFC Larry Driscoll was doing a full honor funeral during attack and ordered his soldiers into action. Said FBI tracked all personnel entering and exiting damaged area of Pentagon.

Abstract

SFC Larry Driscoll is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He was doing a full honor funeral for the 3d Plt, D Company on the morning of 9/11. He is a take-charge soldier. He ordered his soldiers into action. He is a highly organized, motivated and intense platoon sergeant. He says task organization needs to be fine tuned. Talks about the FBI and how they tracked people coming and going. Also talkes about family briefing for soldiers at Belvoir. Also talks about debris removal in detail. He says that their contingency mission should not be public knowledge as it is.

Keyword

Full honors funeral, motivated leader, orders, FBI, contingency plans

NEIT – 460: LTC Roderick Robinson, OASA-M&RA, 12/27/01 (Shirer)

LTC Robinson describes helping injured personnel from the Pentagon and his attempts to search the smoke filled rooms.

LTC Robinson describes helping injured personnel from the Pentagon and his attempts to search the smoke filled rooms. He recalls hearing a boom and feeling the building shutter about fifteen minutes after hearing about the attack on the World Trade Center. When he and his co-workers evacuated their area, they turned to go out of the building and he turned the opposite way to go down the fifth corridor toward the M&RA front office area on the E ring. He spent thirty minutes trying to find a way to the E ring before he found a relatively smoke free route. The M&RA offices were empty. He then left the Pentagon. He helped a lady and her baby and a couple of other injured people to the ambulances. He provides a lengthy account of the group that was formed to carry bodies out of the building that was organized before noon and was on call until 1900 hours when “no body removal tonight” was announced by the fire department. He speaks briefly of the people he knew who died in the attack. When asked why he stayed inside the building he said: “I don’t know. Just something that wouldn’t let me leave.” He closes with comments about the post attack stress he has had for the last few months.

SGT Jamalle Corbert is the PAO of the 3rd Infantry. She was the first official military photographer on the scene of the attack on the Pentagon. Her Primary mission was to document the 3rd Infantry’s efforts at the site. Most of her photographs are of a sensitive nature and are being controlled.

Abstract: SGT Jamalle Corbert was working in her PAO office when the attacks occurred at the Pentagon. She was tasked to go with the soldiers being sent to the Pentagon to produce a photographic history of their involvement. When she got there, she was shocked by the sights and sounds around her, but that didn’t slow her in her mission of documenting the event. Since she was the first official government photographer on the scene, she was soon tasked by the FBI to help photograph the pieces of debris scattered all about the Pentagon and as far away as Arlington Cemetery. After several hours of photographing for the other organizations that were working the scene, she went back to work photographing the 3rd Infantry soldiers.

Many of the ensuing pictures that she took were of a sensitive nature and are not for current release. Since she was at the site from day one, she was allowed to continue her work and probably as a result has the most thorough photographic log of the event.

NEIT - 462: Mike Hahl, DCSSPT MDW, 01/03/02 (Lapic), AA

Mr. Mike Hahl was DCSSPT’s only man on ground at Camp Unity. Explains hand receipting of supplies to TOG.

Abstract

Mike Hahl is is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. As a retired supply SGM he is an expert in supply issues. He is a Supply Management Specialist and the IMO, Information Management Officer for MDW. He is working on bringing the MDW up to speed with the STAMIS, the Standard Army Management Information System, and SAMS, the Standard Army Maintenance Systems. He is also part of a task force monitoring the issuance of IT equipment to the Pentagon.

Because of his expertise he became DCSSPT (Deputy Chief of Staff for Support) logistician on the ground at the Pentagon for the rescue and recovery effort. He set up a system there to account for supplies and equipment being distributed there. He explains the tasking requests and the flow of supplies, as an example, from A P Hill to Ft Myer and then the distribution to the various requestors at the Red Cross, agencies etc. He set up a system of hand receipting to the requesting parties. He is proud to have been the only DCSSPT person there as a badged individual.

MG James T. Jackson. Onsite control of the attack site on 11 SEPT 01 in his capacity as the MDW Commander.

30 year Army career. Prior to the attack had become concerned about access control. In the days prior to attack security had been tightened in the MDW region after a security exercise. Force protection was heightened with the closing of access to post and control now by human. Manpower restrictions forced a reduction of access points. MG Jackson was in a meeting the morning of the attack. His aide told him the WTC had been struck by an airliner. When he was told the second tower was hit the meeting broke up. His thought process focused on Ft. Hamilton as it is in the WTC region. Shortly after was notified of smoke coming from the Pentagon and ordered TOG to site. Moved over to site with CPT Barta MDW Engineer commander circa 11am. Interfaced with Chief Plaugher of Arlington County FD who was the incident commander until the FBI got to the scene. Noted that cell phone system was overloaded, utilized his command vehicle with tactical FM radio to communicate with EOC here at McNair and Myer. Became clear to him that there was not cohesion there which is why he decided to replace the volunteers with the Old Guard that allowed command and control. Found that off-the –shelf radios worked best in this environment for instant communications. MG Jackson noted that the FEMA command system worked well here in this attack.

NEIT – 464: Jane Tyler, PAO MDW, 01/08/02 (Majors) T/R, AA

Ms. Jane Tyler – Contracting Specialist MDW PAO. Good account of the PAO functions at the CITGO Station during the weeks following the attack. Discusses the interaction with civilian media.

Abstract: Ms. Jane Tyler – Contracting Specialist MDW PAO is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Ms Tyler gives information on her background and the duties of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) for the Military District of Washington (MDW). Discusses the PAO functions at the CITGO Station during the weeks following the attack. This became to central media staging area for local, national and international media. Addresses some of the shortfalls inherent for joint operations between difference services PAO and Department of Defense. Discusses the interaction with civilian media and the desire to put soldiers in front of the media to tell their story. A very articulate and informative interview.

Adrienne Combs is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. As the Director of Marketing for the MDW PAO, she was coordinating an upcoming New York City performance of Spirit of America. She took over the contingency operation at Ft Myer. She gives an overview of the various PAO teams. One of the teams was working with the JOC, Joint Operations Center along with the FBI, and emergency response agencies at Ft Myer. Another team was at the JIB, Joint Information Bureau at Henderson Hall. It closed after 3-4 days. Another team performed escort duties and handled inquires for the media.

Abstract: LTC Bouchard provided basic information about D-Ring corridor and spoke about training for fire drills in the Pentagon. He also spoke about the janitor he saw following the attack that seemed dazed by the incident as he passed him in the D-ring corridor as he was evacuating the building. He expressed concerns he had with patients outside since there was rumor of another plane inbound at the time. Interview was conducted 9 January 2002.

NEIT – 467: William Moxham, Contracting MDW, 01/08/02 (Strand), AA

Mr. Moxham was in charge of procurement of emergency barriers and supplies.

Abstract: William Moxham is the division chief for Information Technology MDW Acquisition Center. Mr. Moxham oversees the Construction Branch, the Services Branch and the Information Technology Branch at Ft. Belvior. His work area encompasses contract for Ft. Meade, Ft. McNair, Ft. Myer, and Ft. Belvoir. His expertise in the field of acquisitions of September 11th made him a main point of contact for the Emergency Operation Centers. Using a military credit card he bought excavation equipment to include new tires and repair service for the engineers, He acquired refrigerated trucks from Ft. Lee, Mr. Moxham also bought gloves, goggles, and tyvek suits for Pentagon rescue workers. Mr. Moxham’s purchases also included hotel services for reservist and workers, food from local facilities, and thousands of concrete and water barriers for security.

Mr. Stuart Fluke is a systems administrator for HQDA IMCEN (Information Management Center). He talked about how he worked 12+ hours a day for several weeks getting people back on line. He was quiet spoken and did not elaborate on any one topic.

Abstract: Mr. Stuart Fluke was working in his office just a few sections away from where the Pentagon was struck by terrorists. His office has the responsibility to make sure that everyone at DOD who needs computer network access has it. Many of the items he has to work with are laptops. He makes sure that they are properly programmed for the work that is being done on them.

He evacuated with everyone else that day and went home. He came back the next day to work for an excess of twelve hours. A schedule that did not change for the next several weeks. He mainly focused on programming a large number of new computers being connected to the network due to the loss of many others the day of the attack. He was surprised at just how many computers were needed.

All in all the interviewee was a quiet spoken person who did not like to dwell on details.

SPC Michael Petrovich worked in the DCSPER (Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel) of HQDA. He survived the attack with burns to the exposed areas of his body and also had a harrowing tale of escape from the burning, smoke filled hallways. He received several medals in his efforts to lead people to safety and save people from the building.

Abstract: SPC Michael Petrovich is now working in the Hoffman building in old Alexandria after his DCSPER office at the Pentagon was destroyed by terrorist on 9/11. He was in the office the day of the attack and describes the horrible explosion and fireball that engulfed the cubicle farm he worked in. He was burned on the exposed areas of his body in that blast as well as partially buried in debris. He managed to crawl out and gather the people around him together in a room that seemed to instantly fill with smoke. He help rally the survivor and led them to a window which he helped to dislodge. He then assisted in lowering others to safety before jumping down himself. After his escape he told of his trying trip to the hospital and his stay there due to burns and smoke inhalation. He was awarded for his heroic deeds he performed that day in a ceremony several weeks later.

Ms. Pam Boyer – Resource Management MDW. Limited support to Pentagon, however she was at Ft Hamilton NY on 9/11. She and co-workers helped to provide meals and accommodations to World Trade Center recovery personnel and stayed several days in the NYC area.

Abstract: Ms. Pam Boyer – Resource Management MDW is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Her office works with the non-appropriated budget for MDW recovery personnel. Her office provided very limited direct support to Pentagon. She and some of her co-workers were at Ft Hamilton NY on 9/11 for a conference. She and co-workers helped to provide meals and accommodations to World Trade Center recovery personnel and stayed several days in the NYC area. Discusses what a great response was provided after the tragedy, which she attributes to good training.

COL Alex Mascelli – As MDW Provost Marshall he details his oversight of the 6 installations under his authority and the units brought into MDW after 9/11 and where they were deployed. Was in CoS meeting with MG Jackson at time of attack and details actions taken.

Abstract

Alex Mascelli is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He started his job in August. He has oversight of six installations, Ft Myer, Ft McNair, Ft Belvoir, Ft Hamilton, Ft Meade and AP Hill. Because of a DA directive over concern for open installations, he was addressing access control and related manpower issues. He also has a command issue because of the differing authorities over security at those posts. Myer, McNair, Belvoir and Meade have an O5 provost, but AP Hill has a civilian Director of Public Safety and Hamilton a civilian Police Chief. Further complicating the issues is the various forces there. Ft Myer and McNair have MP companies assigned, Hamilton an MP Platoon and DA Police, AP Hill DA Police and Meade and Belvoir MP Companies as law enforcement.

On 9/11 he was at a COS meeting with General Jackson. He describes the command decisions made there in reference to security such as the decision to go to Threatcon D, the call-up of MP units at Ft Lewis and Ft Polk. He also discusses establishing a law enforcement link to civilian agencies for the EOC and the media link at the JOC. He talks about the FBI at Henderson Hall, the TOC and JOC at Ft Myer Community Center. He tells about the PMO bringing in the 503 from Ft Bragg and the 293d from Ft Stewart and how and where they were deployed to. He discusses the Pentagon DPS Chief Jester’s role. He describes some of the VTC, Video Tele-Conferencing, sessions and who attended covering subjects such as entry control and equipment.

Ms. Racquel Kelley – IMCEN. Very good account from a Pentagon victim. Office was destroyed in the attack. Details on her escape, injuries and recovery. Mother with young children.

Abstract: Ms. Racquel Kelley offers a very good account from a Pentagon victim. Her office was located at 1D520, which was near the crash site and destroyed in the attack. She provided good details on her and her co-worker’s escape. She had to be hospitalized with her injuries and is still not fully recovered. Mother with 4 young children. Her escape was aided by COL Westcott, who she later had a chance to meet and thank in person. Pilots from the medical evacuation flight came to see her in the hospital. She was featured in People’s Magazine along with other Pentagon victims. Also discussed were some of the victim relief funds and other help for the victims.

NEIT – 473: Mr. Edward Arnold, DAPE-ZXI, 12/04/01 (Rossow) T/R

Mr. Arnold works in the ODCSPER Information Management Office. He tells of leaving his desk in the ODCSPER main bay area to attend a meeting away from the Pentagon and watching from South Parking as the plane struck the building. Many people in the immediate vicinity of his cubicle were killed. He also tells of the reconstitution of the ODCSPER Local Area Network in the Hoffman Building.

NEIT – 474: Ms. Barbara Bickelman, DAPE-PR, 12/18/01(Rossow) T/R

Ms. Bickelman was in the Wedge One, B-ring area when the plane struck the building. She tells of her escape from the building and subsequent return to work in the Hoffman Building.

NEIT – 475: Ms. Mary Ann Bier, DAPE-Contractor, 12/10/01 (Rossow) T/R

Ms. Bier is the Manager of the BTG, Inc., systems support team contracted to the ODCSPER. She was at her cubicle in the middle of the ODCSPER office bay when the aircraft struck. She describes her escape from the building and subsequent role in the reconstitution of the ODCSPER Local Area Network in the Hoffman Building.

MAJ Boggess was the Mobilization Operations Officer in the Personnel Contingency Center Cell. She was on duty in the PCC when the plane struck but was unaware of the fact until people started to filter in to man crisis stations. She tells of the Continuity of Operations activities, accountability operations and the subsequent transition to mobilization.

NEIT – 477: LTC Gregory Crawley, DAPE-ZXI, 12/10/01 (Rossow) T/R

LTC Crawley's belongs to ODCSPER but is located at the Hoffman Building at PERSCOM. He was at PERSCOM when the plane struck the Pentagon and tells of Continuity of Operations there, then helping pave the way for ODCSPER's move to the Hoffman Building to reconstitute following the destruction of their offices in the Pentagon.

NEIT – 478: COL John Davies, DAPE-MP, 12/12/01 (Rossow) T/R

COL Davies was in his office in the ODCSPER Directorate of Military Personnel Management front office area to the rear of the main office bay area along the C-ring when the plant struck the building. He describes helping people evacuate the area, searching for survivors in the impact along with other officers, then of the reconstitution of ODCSPER at the Hoffman Building.

NEIT – 479: Ms. Lois Stevens, DAPE-MP, 12/13/01 (Rossow) T/R

Ms. Stevens, the ODCSPER Directorate of Military Personnel Management's Suspense Action Control Officer, was in the ODCSPER Conference Room attending the weekly XOs meeting when the plane struck. She describes his escape from the area and subsequent return to duty down in the Hoffman building.

NEIT – 480: COL Mark L. Lewis, DAPE-PR, 12/12/01 (Rossow) T/R

COL Lewis, the Director of ODCSPER Plans, Resources, and Operations Directorate, was in his office in the Wedge One, B-ring Area when the plane struck. He tells of helping evacuees from the ODCSPER bay escape through his area due to fire doors blocking their route of advance, accountability operations immediately after the attack, and subsequent reconstitution of ODCSPER in the Hoffman Building.

Mr. Mella and Mr. Semelbauer work for BTG, Inc., which has an IT support contract with ODCSPER. Mr. Mella was on leave; Mr. Semelbauer at his desk in the impact area when the plane struck. Mr. Semelbauer tells of his escape, then both describe rescuing the ODCSPER servers and routers from the impact area, their transfer to the Hoffman Building, and the subsequent reconstitution of the ODCSPER local area network.

NEIT – 482: MAJ Rebecca I. Porter, DACS-ZAA, 12/18/01 (Rossow) T/R

MAJ Porter is a Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Army. She tells of evacuating the building from her third floor office, then helping with the care and treatment of people injured in the attack.

NEIT – 483: LTC Susan Schoek, DAPE-PRO, 12/08/01 (Rossow) T/R

LTC Schoeck is an IMA in the Operations Division of the DCSPER. She was at home in Colorado Springs at the time of the attack. She tells of contacting the Personnel Contingency Cell after the attack, recall to active duty, drive from Colorado to Washington, and subsequent duties in the PCC during the mobilization.

Ms. Selhaver is a web developer for BTG, Inc., the IT support firm for ODCSPER. She was at her desk in an office within the ODCSPER when the plane struck. She tells of her escape from the impact area, then return to work down in the Hoffman Building.

NEIT – 485: Ms. Karin McArdle, DAPE-PRR, 12/07/01 (Rossow) T/R

Ms. McArdle was at her cubicle in the middle of the main bay area of the ODCSPER office area in Wedge One when the plane struck the building. She tells of her escape from the area and subsequent return to work in the Hoffman Building.

NEIT – 486: Ms. Charlene Ryan, IMCEN, 01/18/02 (Hirrel) “Digit”

Abstract: This is an interview with Ms Charlene Ryan, from the Requirements, Analysis and Design division of the Information Management Support Center (IMCEN). The interview begins with a little background about her work at IMCEN, especially customer liaison. Her office was at 1D624, which was near the impact area. On the morning of 11 September she was preparing to go to a meeting when she learned of the attacks upon the World Trade Center. Suddenly she heard the blast and saw flying debris. At that time the section sergeant major looked into the hall and started telling everyone to evacuate the building rapidly. With her co-workers she began to leave the building, rapidly but in an orderly manner. They found an emergency exit door and went into the parking lot very close to where the aircraft had hit the Pentagon. She saw burning metal parts and debris. At that time everyone was shouting for people to get away another aircraft was approaching. She provides a detailed account of her activities in the parking lot, including one story of finding a young lady driving nearby who was hit with an aircraft part. She was amazed at the speed of the response by police and firefighters. Eventually she made it to Washington Boulevard, and then she walked to the JAG office in Rosslyn, along with a crowd that was thrown together in the turmoil. From there she learned the extent of the attacks, contacted her family, and found a Metro ride home. After reaching home she notified her supervisor, and then returned to the Pentagon the following day, when she learned that her section would move to the part of the Pentagon beneath the concourse, sharing office space with the BDMO people. She then describes their efforts to restore normal computer operations at the Pentagon, and the working conditions at that time. Within about 5 weeks they moved again to a temporary part of the building. Her most vivid memory is the sight of aircraft parts still burning as she was leaving the Pentagon building.

NEIT – 487: LTC Byron Jorns, OACSIM, 01/15/02 (Majors) T/R, AA

LTC Byron Jorns – AcofS Installations. Wedge away from the impact area, however heard blast and gives a fair account of the evacuation procedures. Changes in installation priorities since 9/11 in the area of AT/FP.

Abstract: LTC Byron Jorns discusses his offices’ role and duties as far as infrastructure needs and their budget process. He was located a wedge away from the impact area. He recalled hearing a blunt sound but did not recall hearing any alarms sounding or the sprinkler system activating. Talks about his escape route and his recollections of the sights and sounds around him. Discusses the changes in installation priorities since 9/11 in the area of Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection (AT/FP).

NEIT – 488: LTC Gerald Barrett, DAPE-PRR-C, 01/11/02 (Lapic) T/R, AA

LTC Gerald Barrett recounts escape efforts from 2C450 Compensation and Entitlement office. He rescued 1 victim, rallied people out of Pentagon, formed rescue team and assisted triage team.

LTC Gerald Barrett, Chief of Compensation and Entitlements for the Department of the Army, he was located in 2C450, cubicle area of the Pentagon. There were about 50 cubicles in that office. Issues this office was working on prior to 9/11 were TSP (thrift savings plan), SGLI (servicemen group life ins), BAH (basic allowance for housing) and BAS(basic allowance for subsistence) Policy. He says there was a teleconference being conducted at the time. He names those on the call. On 9/11, because of the location of the office, they were hit pretty badly. LTC Barrett helped rescue one person, rallied people together and helped them find the way out. During the escape an automatic fire door closed blocking that route. He initiated a rescue effort once they cleared the Pentagon. He also assisted in a triage that was set up. He remained at the Pentagon until relieved by units of the TOG (The Old Guard) at 1700 hrs. He was awarded for his efforts.

LTC Erckenbrack provides a vivid description of scene in alleyway BC. Describes how all the plane’s contents were dumped there. Re-entered into C ring thru hole in wall in BC alley. Joined a forensic team. Describes final resting place of plane and rescue effort there.

Abstract

LTC Adrian Erckenbrack is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Normally there are 20 people in his office at the Army Congressional Liaison Office, Programs Division, but on 9/11 there were only 10. His supervisor at that time was COL Ruggio. After the flight hit, he pulled someone out of the rubble and worked his way out of the area. He reentered the Pentagon second level with a civilian doctor trying to help. The doctor separated from him when he heard a scream. The LTC encountered a man who was on fire. He tried to put the fire out and do what he could. He continued searching and came to an area between the B and C rings. He said that it was where the plane had penetrated the C ring. He said that the contents of the plane had spilled out through the how in the C wall and emptied the contents onto the alley like a syringe would empty its medicine. He reentered the C ring through a whole there trying to reach people he thought were there. The FBI arrived and he assisted in doing forensic work. He gives a good description of the view in the alley between the B and C rings where the plane comes to rest.

NEIT – 490: Mr. Steve Ryan, MDW DCSPER, 01/16/02 (Shellenberger), AA

Mr. Steve Ryan is the business operations MWR director for the MDW DCSPER (Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel) on Fort McNair. He was on Fort Hamilton the day of the attack and filled in for the lodging director who was grounded because of the incident.

Abstract: Mr. Steve Ryan is the business director of operations for the MDW MWR office. He was on Fort Hamilton on 9/11 and after the attacks occurred that is were he remained since all the transportation back was grounded. Coincidentally, the lodging director for temporary housing was at a conference out of state. There was a sudden influx of people coming into the area and Fort Hamilton was tasked to support them with lodging. Since no one else was there he took over the housing arrangements and made sure that everyone had some place to stay. From an E-4 who got caught between flights and could not make it out of the area to the influx of rescue workers assisting at the WTC sight. It was several days before everything began to run smoothly and he was able to return to Fort McNair.

He also discussed in length his duties as the non-appropriated funds manager for MDW MWR.

Mr. Ronald Schexnayder is a retired Army Sergeant Major who works for the contractor CACI as a research analyst. He was in room 3B470 in the Pentagon the day of the 9/11 attack. He assisted other people in escaping the Pentagon since he knew the inter workings and hallways. He did not wish to be interviewed.

Abstract: Mr. Ronald Schexnayder was not interested in being interviewed and set a strict twenty minute timeline for it. Most of the interview centered on the highlights of his career and little else. I was informed that a survival story was written by an internal news letter from CACI that was published which I received a copy of. He was in room 3B470 in the Pentagon the day of the attack. The airplanes course was indirect line of his office but did not penetrate into the building that far. A fire ball did travel down the corridor outside of his office. He helped evacuate the people from his office and then returned to use his knowledge of the corridors to help others who were disoriented. He would not elaborate on most topics.

SFC Robert Capasso- Provost Sgt FMC. Oversaw the MP day to day operations. Discusses contraband and K-9 units. Does not go into any detail that may be security sensitive.

SFC Capasso is the Military District of Washington Provost Sergeant. His area of operation includes both Ft. Myer and Ft. McNair. He has an Operation Sergeant on each post that reports to him directly. SFC Robert Capasso’s main mission is to oversee the law enforcement mission, review cases, make sure the patrols are properly dispatched, inspection of troops, and to ensure continuing professionalism at the gates.

On September 11th, SFC Capasso watched the World Trade Centers on the television in the Provost Marshall’s office. As soon as he was notified that there was an attack on the Pentagon he started to lock up the post. All Military Police Personnel were accounted for , removed from pass or leave, and dispatched as patrol or gate guard. No one was allowed in or out of the posts. SFC Capasso stated that there had been many training exercises where Ft. Myer had gone to threatcon Delta so the soldiers knew what to do. Any new privates were assigned to areas with senior personnel. SFC Capasso also discusses the use for the K-9 units and the confiscation of contraband.

NEIT – 493: LTC Brian C. Redmon, Asst XO, M&RA, 01/16/02 (Dover) T/R,

LTC Brian C. Redmon provided basic information about the “dust cloud” that blew past him in the E-Ring Corridor, and also spoke about the continuity of the mission of mobilization/accountability & reaction to the attack.

Abstract: LTC Redmon provided basic information about the “dust cloud” that blew past him in the E-Ring Corridor, and also spoke about the continuity of the mission of mobilization/accountability & reaction to the attack. He spoke about the fact that they had done nothing as far as evacuation drills prior to the attack on 11 September, but since then had conducted several evacuation drills. He mentioned that several medical personnel who oversee medical policy were in his office area and immediately set up initial triage efforts after going into the point of impact. He also spoke about the accountability of personnel following the attack along with the need for rally points and procedures for such an event in the future. This was a good interview. Interview was conducted 16 January 2002.

NEIT – 494: COL Waldo Brooks, SJA, JCS, 01/17/02 (Dover) T, AA

COL Waldo Brooks provided basic information about the Staff Judge Advocate Office of the Joint Chiefs and the alternate “Site” to which DoD would continue.

Abstract: Assigned to the NMCC, COL Brooks provided basic information about the Staff Judge Advocate Office of the Joint Chiefs and the alternate “site(s)” to which DoD would continue its operations while dealing with the situation of a national emergency. He stressed the importance of being able to react, prepare and adapt to stressful situations in an emergency like this one. This was a good interview. Interview was conducted 17 January 2002.

NEIT – 495: SFC Cassius Hall, DPTMS, FTMMC, 01/02/02 (Holien) “Digit”

SFC Cassisus Hall told Ms. Nolan (NEIT – 496) after the second attack that this was not an accident and reccomended standing up EOC at that time.

Abstract: This is an interview with SFC Cassius Hall DPTMS , Ft. Myer. After briefly describing his Army career, he states that he learned of the attacks of 11 September by watching the television. Upon realizing that this was a terrorist attack he notified his supervisor, and they began to stand up the Emergency Operations Center. He describes the first day in the EOC as chaotic, with numerous requests for support. The following week was also hectic, with numerous requests for logistical support, plus taskings from the Military District of Washington, and regular briefings. The pace slowed after the first week. In November they stopped working seven days per week. He credits his previous training and experience in helping him to perform his duties.

NEIT – 496: Ms. Kathleen Nolen, DPTMS, FTMMC, 01/03/02 (Holien)

The Director of Plans, Training and Security for Fort Myer, Ms Nolan discusses the general response to the attack.

Abstract: This is an interview with Kathleen Nolen, the Director Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security for Ft. Myer Military Community. On the morning of 11 September she was in her office when she heard the news that a plane hit the World Trade Center. She went to the Public Affairs Office, where she and others watched the events unfold on TV. Upon learning of the Pentagon attack they activated the Emergency Operations Center and sent a liaison officer to the Military District of Washington. For the following days, the Ft. Myer mission was principally to assist in the recovery efforts at the Pentagon by providing logistical and personnel services. Later they became involved in receiving activated reserve component units, including a Personnel Effects Depot. She believes that previous drills were helpful, and the interview closes with her praise of the way everyone acted during these tragic circumstances.

Mr. Freese emphasizes that past drills and standardization of procedures enabled a quick response. He details how the EOC works extensively with other GO/NGO’s.

Abstract: This is an interview with Mr. Carlton Freese. the operations officer within the Director for Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security, Ft. Myer Military Community. The interview begins with a quick sketch of his background as a retired military police officer and as the operations officer at Ft. Myer. On the morning of 11 September he was attending a conference with the Military District of Washington at Ft. McNair when they learned of the first crash into the World Trade Center. They turned on the television and watched the second crash. About the same time that they decided to activate the Emergency Operations Center they opened the conference door and saw smoke coming from the vicinity of the Pentagon. He called his boss (Ms Nolen) and volunteered to serve as liaison to the MDW EOC for the time being. During the first few hours he worked with the MDW EOC. The operation was chaotic at first, but soon they were passing information. That afternoon he left the MDW EOC, spent a few hours and home and then began to work the night shift at the Ft. Myer EOC. For the next several days he worked at the EOC, trying to increase the force protection level and to coordinate support to the recovery efforts at the Pentagon. During the pay period that encompassed 11 September he worked 80 of normal time, plus 91 hours of overtime. He notes that by October some normal ceremonies and events occurred, which he lists. These events required increased security planning. He believed that the previous training exercises were helpful.

NEIT – 498: Mr. John Quirk, MDW EOC, 01/04/02 (Holien) “Digit”

Mr. Quirk was briefing COL Essig when Flight 77 hit the Pentagon. He provides general information about EOC operations.

Abstract: This is an interview with Mr. John Quirk, the Plans, Training, & Mobilization Officer, Ft. Myer Military Community, who also ran the Emergency Operations Center. Mr. Quirk served as an infantry officer before leaving the Army and joining the civil service. On the morning of 11 September he was in the Ft. Myer Emergency Operations Center, where they routinely monitored CNN. Upon learning of the attacks upon the World Trade Center, he went upstairs to the garrison commander to recommend that they activate the full EOC. While in the commander's office they heard a loud explosion, which they learned was the Pentagon attack. Although shocked at first they began operating the Emergency Operations Center, and brought in all normal participants. Mr. Quirk spent most of this crisis at the Military District of Washington EOC, where they coordinated a number of issues, including logistical and personnel support to units moving into Ft. Myer. He believes that previous drills were helpful, including exercises with adjacent civilian agencies.

LTC John Russo reard explosion and “rode to the sounds of the guns”. One of the first “outsiders” on the scene. Made himself available to leaders on the scene. Logistics side of the house was big business.

Abstract: LTC John Russo – Director Public Works for Fort Myer Military Community is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Provided some background on himself including one year working at the Pentagon. He had only been in this position since 15 July as head of a department that included plus or minus 200 military and full time staff. Heard explosion and “rode to the sounds of the guns” becoming one of the first “outsiders” on the scene. Made himself available to leaders on the scene to assist in anyway he could. Although the installation side of the house mainly expanded for augmentee influx, the logistics side of the house was big business and came into play heavily. Related that he learned a lot from the logistics involved. Stated the importance for leaders to know your people; let them execute and then you disengage and let them do their job. He also stressed the importance of historical knowledge in a situation like this.

NEIT – 500: SMA Jack L. Tilley, 01/22/02 (Smith & Shirer) T/R, AA

SMA Jack Tilley. Out of the Pentagon when Flight 77 hits the building. Rushed back to site, served as inspiration by being seen on site. Saw remains pouches.

Abstract: SMA Jack Tilley spoke to his 37 years in the Army from being a young enlisted Armor crewman in Vietnam up until the events of 11 SEPT 01. On 11 SEPT 01 SMA Tilley was going to a BOSS conference at Ft. Myer when he became aware of the plane hitting the Pentagon. At that time he had his vehicle turned around and followed a fire truck back to the Pentagon. Accompanied MG Von Alstein, remarking how humbling it was to see the damage. Saw his role as “showing the colors” and “trooping the line”. SMA remarks how he saw small group leaders take charge that day. Saw his role as the senior NCO to inject some calmness into the scene. His office staff rallied at his BOQ at MYER and conducted operations out of there for several days. Felt the Army needs to spend some times on contingencies and practice them like battle drills like Armor crews and combat arms types do in training.

NEIT – 501: CPT Lincoln Leibner, OSD Cables, 01/23/02 (Lofgren) T

Having just parked in Lane 1 of South Parking, CPT Leibner saw the plane hit. He estimates that he was 100 yards from the point of impact. He describes his rescue efforts and subsequent actions that day, including providing an eye-witness briefing to the Secretary of Defense.

CPT Leibner works in OSD Cables and came to work after learning about the WTC attacks. He arrived at the Pentagon, parked in Lane 1 of South Parking, and was approximately 100 yards from where the plane struck. He went in an open door and helped out one woman who was badly burned. The building was filled with smoke and he couldn’t see people, although he could hear them and they could see him. He saw a fire truck burning and notes that the firemen were stunned. He entered the building again and helped lower people out a window (everyone he assisted was a civilian woman) until he inhaled so much smoke that he had to go to the triage area, where he was when the building collapsed. He saw the SecDef come to view the damage. He was taken to Arlington Hospital, but said he looked worse than he was. He returned to the Pentagon around 1300 and ended up briefing the SecDef and VCJCS on what he had seen, noting that they still possessed sketchy information at that time. When he finally departed for home around 2130, everything was dark except for “Atlanta burning.” He attributes his generally lucid state to knowing exactly what had transpired. He received the Purple Heart. [Newspaper article on file.]

Ms. Riley was in her office 3E733 when the plane hit the Pentagon and she evacuated the building without a problem. She spent the remainder of the day accounting for directorate personnel.

Abstract: Ms. Riley is the Deputy to Mr. Joel B. Hudson, the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army (OAA). She was in charge on 11 September 2001 because Mr. Hudson was on vacation. She heard about the first attack on the World Trade Center shortly after it happened and was on the telephone with Chief John Jester, Defense Protective Services, about measures being taken at the Pentagon when the second plane hit in New York. She noted confusion but not panic after the plane hit the Pentagon. She did not learn it was a plane that hit the building until she got home that night. Her executive officer, COL Powell, volunteered to account for the 2025 personnel assigned to OAA. The Resource Management Office and IMCEN both belong to the OAA. On the 12th she was back in the Pentagon working with Mr. David O. Cook, Director of Administrative Management, to make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense about how what was needed to keep DoD telephone and computer lines working and to recover from the destruction. She authorized the Army to lease space in the Taylor Building for the 1200 people who had lost their Pentagon offices. She further worked with Mr. Cook to streamline purchasing equipment and supplies needed for rescue and recovery personnel and to re-equip offices.

COL Bethke and LTC Campbell describe the operations of the Mortuary Affairs Division, US Army Personnel Command, to provide assistance to the families of Army personnel killed in the attack on the Pentagon. They provide a detailed description of working with the FBI in identifying the remains and accounting for personnel affects.

Abstract: COL Bethke, LTC Campbell and SFC Brown describe the operations of the Mortuary Affairs Division, US Army Personnel Command, to provide assistance to the families of Army personnel killed in the attack on the Pentagon. They provide a detailed description of working with the FBI in identifying the remains and accounting for personal effects. COL Bethke discusses the employment of the 54th and 311th Quartermaster Companies (Mortuary Affairs) to assist at the Dover AFB identification facility and to establish the Personal Effects Depot at Ft. Myer. He lists the personnel who were attending the Joint Mortuary Affairs Conference on the morning of 11 September and what each of them did in the weeks after then attack to assist his organization before they returned to their home stations.

COL Bethke and LTC Campbell discuss the initial decisions to have the Armed Forces Medical Examiner and the Institute of Pathology do the body identification at Dover AFB and to issue the death certificates. They fully explain the organization and operations of the Casualty Assistance Center and specific contributions of its personnel. They address the jurisdictional conflict between whether ODCSLOG or ODCSPER was responsible for the deceased and all casualty affairs duties. The Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Office decided that the Military District of Washington Commander (MG James Jackson, NEIT-463) would be in charge and that ODCSLOG and ODCSPER would act as staff support. MG Jackson ordered that the Casualty and Mortuary Affair s Directorate, PERSCOM to take the lead. They address the contributions of Ms. Meg Falk, Community Support Policy, OSD, for her taking care of and housing the victim’s family members who came to Washington, DC.

They describe the operations of the Army Liaison team at the Dover AFB mortuary. The team ensured that the identified bodies had the proper uniform, ribbons, personal effects, casket, escort to the internment site. They also cover the instructions to the Casualty Assistance Officers and the challenges the CAOs encountered because of changing directives on when the remains should be released to the families. They also address the challenge of handling personal effects of the living and those in the custody of the FBI as evidence. The interview concludes with SFC Brown telling about his experience as a member of the Army Liaison Team at the Dover mortuary. This an excellent interview addresses all aspects of mortuary affairs.

On vacation in Florida on 11 September, Mr. Hudson covers the issues and challenges that he and his people faced in providing general services and support to the Army and the PNT after the attack. He recounts a number of stories about individuals.

Abstract: Mr. Hudson, the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, is in charge of all administrative offices that support the Army Secretariat and General Staff. He was on leave in Florida when he heard about the attack on the World Trade Center. He called his deputy, Ms. Riley, at 0915 ask about the protective status of the Pentagon. After hearing about the attack on the Pentagon, he drove back from Florida and arrived at the Army Operation Center (AOC) about midnight on 12 September. His immediate focus was on re-establishing telephone and computer connections in the building. Secretary of the Army White’s guidance was “do what needs to be done.” Forty-five of the Army personnel who were killed worked for him in the Resource Management Directorate (RS-W) and IMCEN. His biggest challenge became taking care of his people. Other significant challenges were finding space, furniture, computers, communications equipment, and re-staffing RS-W. The re-staffing of RS-W was especially critical because the attack occurred only nineteen days before the end of the fiscal year. Many retired RS-W personnel came back to work and other offices loaned people to help.

He also praises the initiative shown by his people on the both 11th and in the weeks afterward and mentions SGT Chris Braman who pulled three people out of the rubble. He also mentions Eric Jones, a student at Georgetown University and EMT, who helped that day and after, and later went to New York City to work at ground zero. He mentioned several other people who were killed.

Mr. Hudson also discusses his responsibility for the Defense Post Office that services the building. Shut down because of the anthrax letters, he had to devise measures to deal with the threat of anthrax and other hazardous materials. He discusses the decision to create a central facility to for all Pentagon mail and the special equipment designed for it. Additionally, he covers how the improvements in Wedge One saved lives, his decision to move his organization into the Taylor Building, and how the attack has affected the Pentagon renovation plan.

MAJ David J. King Jr. was wounded by flames and transported to Washington Hospital Burn Center. He also provided a detailed map of the devastation he recalled.

Abstract: MAJ David J. King, Jr., was severely wounded by flames (1D 518) and transported to Washington Hospital Burn Center. He was still undergoing treatments for burns at the time of his interview, and still having pain due to the severity of his injuries. He also provided an extremely detailed map of the devastation area where he was at the time of the attack as he recalled it. Interview was conducted 22 January 2002.

Mr. Wayne Sinclair was 150-200 yards from impact area. He received 2nd/3rd degree burns and spent 3 weeks in the hospital. Describes how they escaped and some of the VIPs who visited him in the hospital.

Abstract: Mr. Wayne Sinclair gives explanation of his position and the physical location of his office, which was only 150-200 yards from impact area. Gives details of the morning of 11 September including the number of people in his office and the number that actually escaped or were killed. He describes hearing the explosion, gives a description of his office and the reaction of his co-workers. Describes the injuries he received (2nd/3rd degree burns) from the blast. Talks about getting out of the building and describes the scene on the outside. Discusses the notification of his family. He spent 3 weeks in the hospital and discusses some of his treatment and therapy. President and Mrs. Bush as well as General Shinseki visited the hospital. Talks about some of the permanent physical limitations and prospects of retraining.

CPT Andrew D. Preston was knocked out of his chair as plane went beneath him on the floor below (Pentagon Room 3C480).

Abstract: CPT Preston was knocked out of his chair as plane went beneath him on the floor below (Pentagon Room 3C480). He spoke about working in the Operations Center following the attack and he also gave some background about his training in War Plans. Interview was conducted 24 January 2002.

Joseph S. Vallone saw smoke and falling debris including airplane parts as he exited Pentagon Building. He noted there were not enough alarms to notify Pentagon workers of the danger. He also added that he spoke with a DPS Guard who saw the plane hit.

Abstract: Mr. Vallone, a DoD civilian, saw smoke and falling debris including airplane parts as he exited Pentagon Building. He noted there were not enough alarms to notify Pentagon workers of the danger. He also added that he spoke with a DPS Guard who saw the plane hit, but didn’t remember his name. He spoke about the fact that he thought there weren’t enough alarms to notify workers in the Pentagon. Interview was conducted 23 January 2002.

NEIT – 509: COL Bob Speer, ASA-FM&C 01/25/02 (Dover) T/R, AA

COL Robert M. Speer passed by Sec. Rumsfeld while exiting the building from his office (3E606). He also provided an evacuation plan layout.

Abstract: COL Speer passed by Sec. Rumsfeld while exiting the building from his office (3E606). He also provided an evacuation plan layout. He worked with Contingency Operations and Plans (COP) and he gave some very good details on the response of his office workers to evacuate rapidly. He also provided an updated copy of the evacuation plan as of the interview date and the names of several interview prospects names. He also spoke of the contingency cell at the Pentagon Operations Center and how they were responsible for how operations would be conducted during a disaster…before this one occurred. He spoke of the transformation of the Army into being able to work more lean as an integrated staff. Interview was conducted 25 January 2002.

NEIT – 510: LTC Shelia Michelli, DAMO-ZT, 01/25/02 (Majors) T/R, AA

LTC Shelia Michelli – Army G3. Had just moved back into recently renovated part of Pentagon. Saw orange fireball and debris flying. Detailed account of sights and sounds that day.

LTC Shelia Michelli, an Operations Research Analyst with the Army G3 (DCSOPS), had just moved from Crystal City to the renovated part of Pentagon in June. From her location she was able to see the orange fireball and debris flying. Detailed account of sights and sounds that day including her escape from the building and her trying to get back home. Relates her families’ reaction and how this event has changed her and how she feels. She went back to the office space to see the damage and saw how the window buckled.

COL Michael Stewart is the Installation Commander at Ft Meade, MD. Ft Meade does not have a large troop unit located there. Meade is the home of the DINFOS, Defense Information School, EPA, NSA and 78 other agencies and organizations referred to as Partner Organizations. He has no command or control over tose 78 agencies, though he is the tasking authority for the Army units and has oversight of the garrison. He lists the many other hats he wears there and that his supervisor is MG Jackson. 9/11 started out with his staff call. Starting time was 0830. They were talking about program and budget at 0930 when John Nance announced of the WTC attack. COL Stewart advised the PMO, LTC Pendergast, to check it out. They started staffing up their EOC before the Pentagon attack. This included B Co, Marine Support BN – Quick Reaction Force. They decided to increase security to Threatcon D because he believed that the NSA could be a target. They were at D in 4.5 hours. MG Jackson called mid-morning. They had a twice-daily report to the MACOM.

Mr. Liszewski left his office to deliver his resume to the front of the Pentagon just before the plane destroyed his office and killed several of his co-workers and friends.

Abstract: Peter Liszewski held a financial management position at the Pentagon. On 9-11 Mr. Liszewski left his office at approximately 9:00am to bring a resume to one of the front offices of the Pentagon where he was applying for a change of position due to the dispandment of his current position. The plane destroyed Mr. Liszewski’s office and killed several of his co-workers. This interview is a good account of the escape effort and the impact that the loss of life has on friends and co-workers.

LTC Mary Beam – Director Public Safety/PMO, Mission tasking information. Force protection levels and procedures at the gates. Specific instructions given concerning people entering Ft Myer from the Pentagon. Discussed a shift in training focus as well as response plans.

NEIT – 514: MAJ David Kanamine, DAMO-SSW, 01/28/02 (Majors), AA

MAJ David Kanamine – Army G3 Warplans Div. Was out of the Capitol Region on 11 Sep. Worked the AOC when he returned.

Abstract: MAJ David Kanamine was TDY to a conference in Arizona and was basically out of touch with what was going on back in the National Capitol Regions. Since all air traffic was halted, he was stranded there until the flights resumed. His office was D543 and by looking at the images on television, it looked like the plane hit his office area. After his return he was one of the three officers from the Warplans division who worked the Army Operations Center (AOC). He describes the atmosphere in the AOC as tense.

Ms. Yolanda Y. Watson, DCSINT. Saw the plane from her Crystal City office and then the explosion at the Pentagon. Window faces the flight path. Very articulate account.

Abstract: Ms. Yolanda Y. Watson, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Personnel Management Office, had been following the events at the World Trade Center. She was looking out of the large picture window in her office, saying a little prayer “that nothing should ever hit this building”. She saw the American Airlines plane coming in around to the right but not like the normal take offs she witnessed regularly. She heard the explosion at the Pentagon. Window faces the street in Crystal City and she related the scene in and around the area as people abandoned their cars and took off on foot. Some discussion concerning her office’s emergency plans and procedures. Government was official shut down for all non-essential personnel, so she went home. She never went to the Pentagon to witness the damage afterwards. September 11th was also her birthday. Very articulate account.

SGM Tony Rose is the SGM for DAPE-MPE-PD, and was located at (2C640?) Pentagon. He describes the rescue effort of the DSCPER cubicle bay area into the corridor four then towards the E ring. He found his way to the corridor between the C and B rings. He joined an effort to tunnel into a hole there where someone thought they heard voices. Because of the heat coming from that area, and the difficulty in borrowing into the hoe, they formed teams to keep up the effort. They were able to free 7 sailors trapped there. As a result of the attack, they lost all the “retention” history for the last 3-5 years in the fire.

He is candid in giving some lessons learned. He says there was no civilian chain of command or civilian security where they were at the Pentagon for such a emergency situation. The AAR was very good such as there should be markings on the floor for escaping the fire. Signs up on the wall do no good when your crawling on the floor to avoid smoke.

LTC John W. Sone is a National Guard AGR for the ASA-MRA (Assistand Secretary of the Army for Mobilization, Readiness and ), Dan Stanley, (ASA) supervisor. He was working on a DCSOPS strategic readiness system. On 9/11 his office was located at 2E591, the interior of the E ring. The office had 20-30 people in it at that time. He had logged onto the SIPERNET classified communication system and was looking thru the network when Flight 77 hit. They evacuated the Pentagon. Mr. Kolbach stayed with Assistant Secretary Stanley as they tried to determine where and what to do. Their evacuation was somewhat disorderly with some personnel going one way and others going another. He then gives good details about the mobilization process for Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. He also discusses the causality accounting process.

Mr. Michael McCarley explains Army housing privatization process. On 9/11 he assisted in evacuating Pentagon child care center by carrying children to safety. He saw evacuation of LTC Birdwell.

Mr. Michael McCarley is the Assistant for Financial Management for the ASA-I&E (Assistant Secretary of the Army Installations & Environment), Office of Residential Communities Initiative, Housing Privatization. He describes the housing privatization process for the Army communities. The department consists of 13 total offices through out the system. He gives an explanation of how the office advertises and review bids submitted to purchase and renovate the housing units. On 9/11 his office was far enough away from the attack that he was barely able to hear the impact. He evacuated the building after securing it and accounting for the personnel. As he was leaving the Pentagon he saw that the Child Development Center needed help evacuating children. (He mentions that his wife and fellow employees saw flight 77 circling and returning to the Pentagon) While evacuating the children he saw the evacuation of LTC Brian Birdwell and describes that scene. He helped carry children to the LBJ Grove area for safe keeping and stayed with them. He remembers one child saying, “I hope my mommy’s all right.” He gives recommendation of others to interview.

SGT Terry Clausen, Medic, Co E, TOG. Great story from a young soldier who ran to Pentagon site and began to administer first aid. Helped with the triage procedure. A deeply moving account of the tragedy.

Abstract: SGT Terry Clausen, Medic, Co E, The Old Guard, gives some background on his 3 years with the Old Guard as a medic. It was his day off and since he lives near the Pentagon and saw the plane. He grabbed his medical bag and ran to the site against a sea of people running away. Helped establish a triage site and provided initial care to some of the wounded. A deeply moving account of the tragedy.

NEIT – 520: Mr. Ronald McLendon, MDW PAO, 01/30/02 (Shellenberger)

Mr. Ronald Mclendon II works for the PAO (Public Affairs Office) at MDW. He was directly responsible for the civilian Media relations and the troops working at the Pentagon attack site.

Abstract: Mr. Ronald McLendon II of the MDW PAO was the liaison between the civilian news networks and the soldiers working at the Pentagon. The news media were for the “home town” links for their stories and would make the request to interview someone of their particular interest. Mr. McLendon would then try to search out a soldier that was willing to talk and met the criteria that the media was looking for. He would then arrange for the meeting.

He was also responsible to make information flowed freely between the military and the news media. He would arrange for a daily briefing and make recent arrivals to the area would be properly briefed in dealing with the military.

NEIT – 521: SSG Karen Villegas, SMA Office, 01/30/02 (Lapic), AA

SSG Karen Villegas recounts her evacuation of the SMA’s office. In no danger, but was stopped from exiting thru the Mall exit. Tells about her fiance from DCSPRO office. Describes the role of the Army band in handing out passes for Camp Unity. Talks about family assistance center at Sheraton Hotel.

Abstract

SSG Karen Villegas works in the office of SMA Tilley. On 9/11 the SMA was not in the office. She heard of the attacks on the WTC and sent emails to all her friends around the world asking for prayer. After the attack, she evacuated the building, but was barred from leaving thru the mall exit by DPS. She also tells about her fiancé, SFC Jeffrey Woodson, who also works at the Pentagon. She said that he lost two people from his office, DCSPRO. When she finally exited the Pentagon, she tells of her observations at ground zero. Tells about the Army band handing out badges. She was concerned about SMA Tilley’s disabled son. Not being able to contact him by telephone, she walked to Ft Myer to check on his welfare.

NEIT – 522: LTC Michael Albaneze, DAMO-SSW, 01/31/02 (Majors) T/R, AA

LTC Michael Albaneze, G3 Warplans Div. Impact threw him out of his chair. Detailed account of evacuation of his office. Saw plane parts on sidewalk outside. Very good account.

Abstract: LTC Michael Albaneze, G3 Warplans Division, Force Planning & Integration Team, provided some background information. On September 11th they had been in the refurbished wedge two months. Describes how he heard a loud crash in which the impact threw him out of his chair. Detailed account of evacuation of his office and of securing classified documents. Explains some of the sights and sounds he experienced during the evacuation. He helped some civilians out of the building. Saw plane parts on sidewalk outside. He had rotating duty as part of the JCAT, Joint Crisis Action Team. Relates how very proud he was of his peers, their leadership and how well everyone performed during the crisis. A very good account.

CID Special Agent Douglas MacArthur – Though on vacation on 9/11 he was assigned to Pentagon crime site 9/16, on ground 9/17. Explains BATF, NCIS, CID, BATF, FBI, Mortuary affairs and DOD roles at the “rubble site”.

Abstract

SA Douglas MacArthur is a Special Agent for CID(Criminal Investigation Division) of the 75th MP Detachment of the 3d MP Group at Ft Belvoir, VA. He explains how the CID is broken down…criminal, drug and economic teams. Mr. Jack Wears is the Special Agent in Charge. He checked in when he heard of the attack on 9/11. He was on leave but returned to the area 9/17. He and another agent are assigned to the Pentagon Investigation on 9/16 from Belvoir. When he physically reports, he had some taskings and leads to follow-up on first. 9/17 started with briefings, then he reports to ground zero on the 17th to Special AgentTeel Williams. He worked 12 hour shifts. He went to briefings for each agency present. There are 30 CID agents on the ground there. Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) supervised the CID agents while ATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) was in charge of the “Rubble Site” for the three or four weeks. All DOD criminal investigation organizations were involved. Four NCIS personnel were responsible for sorting paperwork. The FBI released the investigation to the DOD considering it no longer a crime scene. Anything left over after the CID agents combed through the debris was burned or buried at an undisclosed site.

Lessons learned were that at first there was not enough funding at first. Personal clothing was destroyed, but he did not get reimbursement for it. They were not trained to operate the heavy equipment needed to sift through the debris.

CID SA Anthony Britt discusses clothing worn, who was assigned and CID command tent at camp unity. Describes the 30-man teams and detailed explanation of CID at crime scene and process of investigation and evidence recovery.

Abstract

Special Agent Anthony Britt is a Special Agent for the CID (Criminal Investigation Division) of the 75th MP Detachment of the 3d MP Group at Ft Belvoir, VA. On 9/11 SA Britt attended briefings of updates, possible scenarios, and their possible involvement. He had concern of the events because his wife works at the DA security office at the Pentagon. He was able to make contact with her and determine that she was safe. At a 9/12 briefing he found that he was tasked to work at the Pentagon. He was briefed on the duty uniform, POC by telephone. Others assigned were SA Douglas MacArthur and SA Roberts. They reported to the CID command tent at the Pentagon to SA T L Williams. He gives very good detail of the recovery site at the “rubble pile” at the north parking lot. They worked in 30-man teams in 45 minute shifts with 15 minute breaks. He tells about the systematic process of sweeping over the piles, and resweeping, the involvement of the ATF canine teams, the clearing of the dumpsters and the evidence recover process. In locating evidence it was separated into piles if it was determined it was plane parts, body parts, personal items, documents, or classified. The 311th Mortuary Affairs Company was called upon to determine if it was body parts and they in-turn identified the part and labeled them.

SFC Pearl Houck is the executive administrative assistant to the Sergeant Major of the Army. Her main responsibilities were to maintain the SMA’s calendar and make sure his travel itinerary was always complete. She gave a good synopsis of the evacuation and the problems that arose. She also gave an overview of the work that the SMA performed in the recovery efforts after the attack.

Abstract: SFC Pearl Houck related to the interviewer her experiences the day of the attack. At the time of the attack, this executive administrative assistant to the SMA, was aware of the attacks at the WTC in New York. When the explosion occurred most of her office immediately hit the ground and began to immediately evacuate. She made sure that everyone was accounted for being the senior NCO in the office. They soon made it out of the building, but did not have a chance to contact anyone since the cell phone network was overburdened.

She was able to get in contact with the SMA later that day and relieve some of his anxiety. He was not in the Pentagon that day. He released everyone until the following day when, due to his high-ranking position, he had the key personnel back in the office. She was one of the ones who returned. She immediately set to work rescheduling and canceling non-priority meetings for the SMA. She also had to accompany him on his tours to the damaged areas and act as a runner in case anything came up. She gave a good aspect of the SMA worrying about his loss and injured soldiers at that time.

SSG Sheila Heyward-Snipes is an administrative assistant totheSergeant Major of the Army. She was very uncomfortable about being interviewed and as a result the interview lacked substance.

Abstract: SSG Sheila Heyward-Snipes reluctantly submitted to an interview probably because everyone else in her office was interviewed. She made it quite clear that she was uncomfortable about talking of her experiences during the time of the attack and the sub sequential days following. She was deep religious convictions that she did like to express. Soon after the interview started it ended due to lack of substance.

Special Agent Richard Roberts works for the Fort Belvoir CID Command. He had a good dissertation on the inter-agency cooperation on 9/11 and the following days of rescue and recovery at the Pentagon. He was assigned the morbid task of shifting debris for human remains and any other possible evidence from the attack.

Abstract: SA Richard Roberts usually investigates crime scenes or cases of fraud and abuse of government property at Fort Belvoir for the CID command attached to MDW. On 9/11, though, he was called upon to assist in the efforts of sifting the mounds of debris that was being pulled from the Pentagon. For several weeks after the attack he was in the north parking area of the Pentagon with a fine tooth rake trying to find pieces of human flesh or small airplane parts. He had a good working relationship with the other law enforcement agencies that were also working the scene, the FBI, ATF, FEMA, etc. He also worked with the Mortuary Affairs unit from Puerto Rico that had a major role in the work being preformed. When asked about the grisly task and the psychological effects on the people performing those tasks he stated that you needed a special kind of temperament for the work and if you did not have you should not be in police work.

NEIT – 528: LTC Thomas Cleary, DAPE-PRR, 02/01/02 (Dover) T/R, AA

LTC Thomas J. Cleary provided extremely valuable information on several aspects of the plane collision and the vivid details within the corridors of C and D-Rings too numerous to mention.

Abstract: LTC Cleary provided extremely valuable information on several aspects of the plane collision and the vivid details within the corridors of C and D-Rings too numerous to mention. He talked about being knocked down by the impact and blast of the plane crashing into the Pentagon and seeing the “eerie” rolling smoke move through the building. He spoke of trying to help others but couldn’t because of the intense heat put out by the fire. He talked about the fire doors being able to be lifted, but no one knew this, which possibly could have saved lives. He also told how he was trying to get out of the building when he ran into LTC Brian Birdwell, a badly burned victim who he helped carry out to safety outside the building. He gave a very gruesome description of his condition as he carried him out. This is an extremely valuable interview for documentation. Interview was conducted 5 February 2002.

Mr. Stephen McHale – State Dept. employee on the way to a job assignment on 9/11. In traffic jam next to Heli-pad when plane hit. Debris hit his car. Ran to DOD fireman at scene and offered assistance. Left when told to by fireman.

Abstract

Stephen McHale is a Project Manager / Computer Specialist for the US State Department, Newington, VA. On 9/11 he had to report to a DC State Dept office. He was caught in stop-and-go traffic next to the Pentagon helipad. Though he didn’t see Flight 77 hit, he heard the explosion and ducked and rear-ended the car in front of him. Debris hit the road around him and some struck his car. The woman in front of him came out of her car demanding insurance information. He ran across the highway to the burning fire truck and asked a fireman putting on his boots if he needed help. He was told to get out and so he ran back to his car. Said he looked up and saw an Army Cargo plane overhead. The woman was waiting for her insurance information, but someone behind him begged him to move on because he was blocking traffic. He went to work and then home. A recording was on his answer machine asking for his insurance information. Said he looked up an

Ms. Darla Sims details her immediate responses after the attack and the coordination of outreach programs for soldiers and families. Continuing support for soldiers and families in dealing with the aftermath of the attack.

Ms. Condon worked in the Army Operations Center on 11 September coordinating military support to civilian authorities in response to the attacks.

Abstract: Ms. Condon is responsible for providing policy oversight for military support to civil authorities (DOMS) during times of emergency such as hurricanes or forest fires. She had a meeting with MG Peter Chiarelli (NEIT-532, 573) at 0900 on the morning of 11 September and had heard about the attack on the World Trade Center while she was in the meeting. MG Chiarelli activated the AOC Crisis Action Team in response to the attack. During this time the plane hit the Pentagon and she heard about it when it was reported to the AOC. She stayed with him in the AOC awaiting orders to provide Military Support from Mr. V. Giambastni, the Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Defense had just taken over the DOMS responsibility from the Army as the executive agent for military support. Mr. Giambastni requested that the Army expedite any military support requests from FEMA and the FBI. On September 12th the Secretary of Defense signed a memo reinstating the Army as the Defense Department executive agent for military support to civilian agencies because the newly organized Joint Staff military support section was overwhelmed. She spent the remainder of the 11th in the AOC coordinating military support. On the 12th she moved into the AOC and worked military support issues from there until requests slowed down in November. She states that the primary lesson learned is to keep people from reacting too quickly and not to pre-position assets before they are requested. Her reason for this was that there was an urge to send massive amounts of personnel and equipment to New York City, which had sufficient resources on hand and received support from the state government and the New York Army National Guard, which was activated by the state governor. She also stated that New York City is the most prepared city in the United States to respond to a disaster and they demonstrated it.

NEIT – 532: MG Peter W. Chiarelli, DAMO-ODZ, 02/05/02 (Shirer) T/R

MG Chiarelli was in the office at the Army Operations Center when the plane hit the Pentagon. He describes the activation of the Army Crisis Action Team and its operations on and after 11 September responding to the attack on the Pentagon and providing military support to civil authorities.

Abstract: MG Chiarelli was in his office in the Army Operations Center when the plane hit the Pentagon. He describes the activation of the Army Crisis Action Team (CAT) and its operations on and after 11 September responding to the attack on the Pentagon and providing military support to civil authorities. He had assumed his duties in July 2001. He had just completed planning a scenario to exercise the CAT on 17 September. The scenario was to be an airplane crashing into the World Trade Center (WTC). Ms. Kathryn Condon (NEIT-531), who is the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army for Military Support was meeting with him to discuss military support when he was told about the WTC. They agreed that the CAT need to be activated and began calling in the personnel detailed it. After the second plane hit the WTC he said: “This building [Pentagon] has got to be a target.” He remembers that he heard a muffled noise and initial reports of fire in the building and was told an airplane had hit the building. He continues to describe how military and civilian personnel continued to report to the CAT to get it functioning, instead of evacuating the building. He tells how Secretary of the Army Thomas E. White was order to evacuate the building. He explains how the CAT began accounting for all Army military and civilian personnel in the Pentagon and to estimate the number of missing. He gives a full description of how the Army assumed its traditional role of providing Domestic Operation Military Support (DOMS) to civilian agencies, which had just recently been transferred to the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He explains how Ms. Condon ran the DOMS operation from the AOC and left him to focus on the Readiness, Mobilization, and Operations mission (see NEIT-537). He is proud of how the CAT personnel reacted to the crisis, especially since they had not been activated since the New Year’s 2000.

NEIT – 533: LTC Charles Watts, DAMO-ZT, 02/06/02 (Lofgren)

11 September was LTC Watts’ first day at his new assignment, but headed to PNT late and never made it. Worked in AOC on 13 Sep. Some discussion of OBTF to which he is ZT link.

NEIT – 534: CW5 Paul D. Heggood, DALO-SMM, 02/06/02 (Shirer) T/R

CW5 Heggood describes how he helped several injured personnel from the Pentagon, provided first aid to the injured in the courtyard, and obtained medical supplies from the DiLorenzo Medical Clinic in the Pentagon.

Abstract: CW5 Heggood describes how he helped several injured personnel from the Pentagon, provided first aid to the injured in the courtyard, and obtained medical supplies from the DiLorenzo Medical Clinic in the Pentagon. He was his cubicle in room 3D445 when he felt the building shake and suspected it was an airplane hitting it because of the World Trade Towers. He and COL Edwin C. Morehead (NEIT-195) went to the E ring to help people out of the area. They held the blast doors open to let several people escape and pulled a man out from under the rubble and carried him to the triage point in the courtyard. He then returned to the interior of the Pentagon where he joined a group that was attempting to rescue people trapped between the C and D rings and put out the fires in the area. He left the building only after all the fire extinguishers were emptied and the police ordered everyone out of the building because of the danger of the walls collapsing.

He recounts his giving first aid to the injured in the courtyard, searching the DiLorenzo Medical Clinic for supplies and carrying them to the triage points in the courtyard and along the waterfront. He had to break into the medical cabinets in the clinic to get the supplies. He later joined a single policeman on Army Drive and spent several hours assisting him direct traffic and keep the intersection clear for emergency vehicles to use. He closes with an account of his office setting up logistics operations in the Army Material Command Building beginning on 13 September and his duties at the Pentagon Logistic Operations Center for the next sixty days.

BG Eikenberry evacuated the Pentagon after rescuing MG John Wood from his ODCSOPS office. He spent the remainder of the day accounting for division personnel and working in the AOC.

BG Eikenberry was in his E-ring office receiving a briefing from MAJ Andrew Mueller (NEIT –544) when the plane hit the Pentagon on 11 September. He had not heard about the attack on the World Trade Center. The plane hit the building near his office, throwing both him and MAJ Mueller against the wall. He remembers seeing a fireball outside his window. They left his office and saw MG Wood’s secretary Ms. Linda Moore who told them that General Wood was trapped in his office. BG Eikenberry told her to get out of the area, and then he broke open the door to Wood’s office and got him out. They entered the E-ring corridor, which was filled with smoke, and could see flames. They headed away from the flames toward the 4th corridor, crossing over broken fractures in the floor. He said that these fractures were the break points where the floor collapsed. He joined LTC Mark Volk and searched for people in the E-ring. He remembers hearing a rumbling ten to fifteen minutes after the impact and thinks that it might have been the area near the fractures collapsing. After finding no one he went to the Pentagon courtyard and then to South Parking. Once in South Parking he began accounting for the people in his division. He accounted for 95% of his 120 people and sent them home about 1230. He got home to his quarters at Ft. Belvoir, VA about 1400. On September 12th he went to work at the Army Operations Center (AOC) in the Pentagon. In the AOC he helped organized the night shift and headed it through the 15th when he returned to his normal duty as the Deputy for War Plans and assisting MG Wood develop the Army strategic campaign plan for the war on terrorism.

LTC Yantis was outside the AOC when the plane struck and felt nothing. He returned to the OCPA area, checked for people, and then moved outside. He provides a detailed account of his experiences and specific activities inside the courtyard and in the triage area by North Parking. He also provides useful information about OCPA.

MAJ Tirado discusses her duties as the Plans and Operations Officer for the Army Mortuary and Casualty Affairs Office in the period after the attack on the Pentagon. She works in the Hoffman Building in Alexandria, VA.

Abstract: MAJ Tirado discusses her duties as the Plans and Operations Officer for the Army Mortuary and Casualty Affairs Office in the period after the attack on the Pentagon. She works in the Hoffman Building in Alexandria, VA. She describes being on the telephone to the Personnel Contingency Center in the Army Operations Center at the Pentagon when the line went dead. She describes the evacuation of the Hoffman Building, establishing temporary operations at an alternate location, and the decision to return to the Hoffman Building. She explains the activation of Individual Manning Augmentees from the Army Reserve to fill the wartime positions in the Mortuary and Casualty Affairs Division. She also briefly describes the duties of the Division’s four branches.

Mr. Kuhn describes the duties and operations of his office, Army Casualty Affairs, in notifying the families of the deceased from the attack on the Pentagon and making funeral arrangements. He works in the Hoffman Building, Alexandria, VA.

Abstract: Mr. Kuhn’s organization is responsible for all notification of death, funeral arrangements, casketing of bodies, and transportation of the deceased to their place of burial. He was in his office at the Hoffman Building when he received news that the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon had been attacked. When the building was ordered evacuated by security personnel he instructed his personnel to get their “fly away kits” and prepare to establish operations at their alternate location. He discovered that all of the cell phones that his people had were in-operable and thus did not have the communications they needed. One of their contractors, Fed Systems, provided space and computer equipment for his organization to establish an initial ‘jump site’ until their alternate location could be activated, however they were able to resume operations from the Hoffman Building by late evening.

On the 12th and 13th his personnel were reviewing the list of missing to determine who was actually in the Pentagon on the 11th versus those who were out on leave, sick, etc. The Army Surgeon General and the commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center assumed responsibility of accounting for the injured. They located all of the injured, identified their injuries and their and their families needs.

He discusses the standing up of the USAF Mortuary at Dover, DE and the assignment of Casualty and Mortuary Affairs (CAMOC) personnel to it. The FBI had declared the Pentagon a “crime scene.” They assumed control of locating and removing remains. He describes the transfer of the 54th Quartermaster Company (Mortuary Affairs) to Washington and the activation of the 311th Quartermaster Company (Mortuary Affairs), an Army Reserve unit from Puerto Rico. The two companies supported the USAF Mortuary and established the Personal Effects Depot at Ft. Myer, VA. He gives a detail description about how they Personal Effects Depot was established, its procedures, and how the effects of living personnel were handled. He also addresses the internal augmentation of CAMOC by designated PERSCOM soldiers and the call up of Individual Military Agumentees from the Army Reserve.

He noted that GEN Shinseki ordered that all casualties, military and Department of the Army civilians be treated as soldiers and that the Army would provide casualty assistance officers for each. He talks about the establishing of the Family Assistance Center in Crystal City to support the families of the missing, injured, and deceased. He closes by stating that the “biggest job was taking care of the families.” Seventy-four Army personnel died in the Pentagon and one in the hospital, of those twenty-two were active military and fifty-three were DA civilians or contractors.

MAJ Chaloupka discusses his duties as the Liaison Officer for Casualty Effects at Dover Air Force Base after he was mobilized for active duty on 17 September.

MAJ Chaloupka discusses his duties as the Liaison Officer for Casualty Effects at Dover Air Force Base after he was mobilized for active duty on 17 September. He worked with the medical examiner at Dover to identify the personal effects of the deceased and to insure that the effects stayed with the body. He also coordinated with the medical examiner to release the names of the deceased as they were identified to PERSCOM. The last of the remains were identified in late November. He was reassigned to the Personal Effects Depot at Ft. Myer, VA, on 3 December 2001 to oversee the administrative procedures of the Depot. He explains the administration of the Depot, the processing and cleaning of the personnel effects, and identifying the owners of the effects.

Ms Courduff discusses her duties at the Ft. Myer Crisis Action Center as a casualty officer on and after 12 September.

Ms Courduff discusses her duties at the Ft. Myer, VA, Crisis Action Center as a casualty officer on and after 12 September. She is a cemetery affairs specialist at PERSCOM. She describes her work with the 54th Quartermaster Company in providing them all the equipment and supplies they needed for evacuating the remains of those killed in the Pentagon from the building and transporting them to the mortuary. She also explains the strengths and weaknesses of mass casualty plan that existed on 11 September. She also briefly comments on the assistance provided by personnel from the Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii, who were in Washington on 11 September.

NEIT – 541: MAJ Wade Markel, DAMO-ZT, 02/12/02 (Lofgren)

MAJ Markel was in a meeting (approx 3D453) when the attack occurred. He was not aware of the severity of the attack, thinking, like many people, that a renovation-related accident had transpired. He exited the building with others into South Parking and went through the tunnel.

NEIT – 542: BG Clyde Vaughn, DAMO-OD, 02/12/02 (Lofgren) T

General Vaughn discusses the AOC response to the WTC attack and, subsequently, the attack on the Pentagon. He was driving to the Pentagon and saw the plane just before it struck the building. He provides a description of events outside the building in the immediate aftermath as well as a useful account of AOC issues and concerns during the first few days.

NEIT – 543: Mr. Albert D. Creasy, Jr., DAMO-ZR, 01/12/02 (Shirer)

Mr. Creasy describes his and his co-workers escape from a conference room (3E479) as its walls and ceiling collapsed. The plane impacted below his office area. He was not injured.

Mr. Creasy describes his and his co-workers escape from a conference room (3E479) as its walls and ceiling collapsed. The plane impacted below his office area. He was not injured. He was in the conference room watching the World Trade Towers with several co-workers when the plane hit. The walls and ceiling began to collapse, the lights went out and flames came from the ventilator shaft near the room. He recalls that he stopped at his cubicle to lock his safe and pick up his briefcase before exiting the bay. He was saw smoke coming down the fourth corridor so turned right into the area to be renovated. He was stopped by a LTC who emerged from the smoke and said there was no escape down the fifth corridor. He got out through the fourth corridor. After he exited the building he sent to the far side of Route 27 by a Defense Protective Services officer. He lists the people he knew who were killed that morning.

NEIT – 544: MAJ Andrew J. Mueller, DAMO-SSW, 01/12/02 (Shirer) T/E

MAJ Mueller was briefing BG Eikenberry in his E ring office when the plane hit the Pentagon. He describes his escape from the building. He also discusses his duties on the Crisis Action Team, Army Operation Center, from 12 September until the end of the month.

MAJ Mueller was briefing BG Eikenberry in his E ring office when the plane hit the Pentagon. He describes his escape from the building. He also discusses his duties on the Crisis Action Team, Army Operation Center, from 12 September until the end of the month. He and BG Eikenberry were sitting in the general’s office along the wall farthest from the E-ring windows when they felt a shock, the room filled with smoke and dust and flames covered the exterior of the window. He recalls that the people in the outer office were still sitting at their desks in shock. They were getting the people out of the office and down the fourth corridor toward the A-ring, when MG John R. Wood’s secretary, Mrs. Moore, shouted that that MG Wood was trapped in his office. BG Eikenberry ran back into the main office and managed to get the door open so MG Wood could escape. MAJ Mueller continued to lead the first group down the escalator to the second floor and out corridor two to where it exits the building on the E-ring. He also discusses his thirty days working the war plans desk in the Army Operation Center

NEIT – 545: LTC Arthur Shaw, DAMO-SSW, 02/05/02 (Shellenberger), AA

LTC Arthur Shaw is the Army Action Officer for the Strategic Mobility Program at DAMO-SSW. His main concern the day of the attack was on accountability issues. After the attack his office was tasked to step up their schedule for the “New Army” concept.

Abstract: LTC Arthur Shaw is the Army Action Officer for the Strategic Mobility Program. The program is designed to reform the Army into a faster more sustainable force for the projected low to mid- range conflicts of the future. In the current environment of post 9/11, the program was put on a faster track for implementation. This is due for the immediate need for more small well equipped units that can be rapidly move around the world in a moments notice.

LTC Shaw was in a meeting discussing new changes that were to be added to a proposal that was not accepted by the joint chiefs when the plane stuck the Pentagon. The conference room he was staying in immediately went dark and began filling with smoke. As they crawled out their offices the main concern was accountability. Other than accountability issues he had no other insight on the attack.

SSG Michael Harper is the Support Audio Technician with the US Army Band on Fort Myer. His basic duties are to set up sound stages for the musicians to play on. On 9/11 he was called upon to take the small generators and lighting systems they have to the Pentagon attack site. He spent the next two weeks at the Pentagon insuring that the equipment was maintained.

Abstract: SSG Michael Harper works as a Support Audio Technician with the US Army Band. He is usually setting up sound stages for musicians to play on. He also makes a lot of the recordings for the band. On 9/11 he was called upon to set up and maintain the generators and light systems that they have at the Pentagon attack site. For the next couple of weeks he stayed at the Pentagon making sure that they were operating properly. The only major problem that he came across was when some refilled the generator with diesel fuel instead of regular gas. They had to clean out the system to make get it to function again and then it smoked profusely for the next night. When the workers moved into another part of the building to clean up he would assist them in setting up the lights. Usually, though, the crews working had the liberty to move the lights as they saw fit. This did allow one set to be misplaced until contractors found it later on.

SFC Craig Lauringer is a sound recording engineer for the US Army Band on Fort Myer. He is usually hard at work recording and mixing sound bites in his studio but on 9/11 he was called upon to take the units generator and lighting systems to the Pentagon to assist the workers.

Abstract: SFC Craig Lauringer is a Sound Recording Engineer for the US Army Band stationed on Fort Myer, VA. He is usually working hard in his studio recording and mixing sound bites for the band. On 9/11 he was called upon to take the units lighting and generator assets to the Pentagon to assist the workers at night and in the dark, destroyed recesses of the Pentagon. For the next couple of weeks he was tasked to maintain his small, mobile lighting systems that were in use. This mainly consisted of refueling and daily PMCS of the equipment, but he did help run some of the light systems into the Pentagon. Usually, though, the workers themselves moved the lights as they were needed. One run of lights were misplaced for a time until contractors for the removal and reconstruction found them an out of they way corner that was overlooked previously.

SFC Lauringer also volunteered to drive a truck to Dover Air Force base in Delaware as an escort. There were only a few people that had a license for the vehicle that were available in MDW. He was hauling remains of victims in the crash and an escort of those remains to the air base for identification

NEIT – 548: SFC Paul J. Stramella, US Army Band, 02/04/02 (Dover), AA

SFC Stramella provided basic information with no real substance necessary for an abstract.

Abstract: SFC Stramella provided basic information about the U.S. Army Band’s response efforts to the Pentagon attack on 9-11-01. SFC Stramella was on leave four days prior to arrival on the scene and didn’t perform much work, however when he did, he worked as a member of one of the generator teams providing assistance to the rescue teams at the scene. Interview was conducted 4 February 2002.

MSG Heisen provided basic information about the role the band played and how their stage lights provided initial security as well as lighting for search and rescue teams at night until more lighting could be brought in. He also spoke about their role in making the access badges for the Secret Service.

Abstract: MSG Heisen provided basic information about the role the band played and how their stage lights provided initial security as well as lighting for search and rescue teams at night until more lighting could be brought in. He also spoke about their role in making the access badges for the Secret Service. This was a very good interview to see how the band also responded to the response. Interview was conducted 4 February 2002.

Ms. Kerry Watson works at IMCEN-CEXEC in the Pentagon. She gives classes on the various computer systems used in the Pentagon to new arrivals. On the day of the attack she was just getting to work and did not know what was happening.

Abstract: Ms. Kerry Watson was traveling in to her job at IMCEN-CEXEC in the Pentagon when she became bogged down in traffic leaving the area. She did not know that any of the attacks occurred earlier and had know idea what was going on. Her cell phone wasn’t working so she pulled into a gas station a couple of miles south of the Pentagon to call in and tell her coworkers she was going to be late. No one answered the phone. At the same time she was being told about what was occurring around the country and started listening to the radio. On the radio she heard them say that everyone except key personnel was evacuating the DC area and decided to head back home were she watched the television and tried to get a hold of family and friends that rest of the day.

MAJ Robert Laidlaw was a recent addition to DAMO-ZT of the G-3 section in the Pentagon. He was just assigned the duties of the XO prior to the attack. His main concern was the accountability of the personnel that worked in the office.

Abstract: MAJ Robert Laidlaw was new to the DAMO-ZT office filling the XO position when the aircraft struck the building on 9/11. He was aware of the attacks on the WTC in New York, but had to revamp a briefing that had gotten less than rave reviews earlier in the morning. His office was waiting for a report due out from a higher headquarters element so they could finish theirs when a terrible rumbling and explosion erupted a short distance away. More precisely just a couple of feet below them on the floor below.

His primary concern was to grab the recall roster and begin assessing the situation. Everyone seemed to be in relatively good shape, if somewhat shaken. The office personnel began to slowly exit the building with some of them running back in to help rescue other people that were trapped or injured. MAJ Laidlaw stayed with the commander and kept track of were everyone was at and what they were doing. Since he was new to the office as well as many others at the time it wasn’t as easy as it seemed, but he manage the task efficiently.

His commentary of the events as they unfolded were a little vague since the time from the attack to the interview was great enough to limit vivid memories. He was, after all, new to the Pentagon anyways.

LTC Max Dietrich is the Deputy of the Army Transformation Office at DAMO-ZT in room 3D 450 in the Pentagon. His office is directly above the impact zone and later collapsed into it. He had an excellent account of the day’s events and the attack. He also discussed in length how the Army is going to change because of it.

Abstract: LTC Max Dietrich is the Deputy of Army Transformation Office. He is responsible for managing the office’s efforts on the Army’s Transformation. They were making headway on the problems faced with the transformation when the plan was shot down by the G-3 and the report had to be redrafted. He was working at his desk when the terrorist attacks began. Shortly thereafter the plane struck the building. He started to evacuate the area and assisted others trying to get out. He had a detailed description of the attack and sub sequential escape from the Pentagon and the victims from lower levels. Once outside they recounted for everyone and then released them to go home. After a couple days they office started to meet in the cafeteria. They lost almost all of there information and the office had to be rebuilt. He was responsible to search out the lost information from other sources to begin reconstituting the files. Several months later they received some of the information believed to have been lost when the server was hit.

He discussed how his office personnel was increased from 9 to 28 people as a result of 9/11. His office’s priority has been accelerated because of the looming war effort to come.

Mr. Richard Turner, the Deputy Director of Public Works and Logistics, DPW (Department of Public Works), MDW, had a lengthy discussion on the support his office was tasked to perform at the 9/11 attacks in FMMC (Fort Myer Military Community). Some topics discussed are: funding problems, communications, mess facilities, etc.

Abstract: MR. Richard Turner is the Deputy Director of Public Works and Logistics for DPW on MDW. His office was responsible to make sure that the FMMC (Fort Myer Military Community) facilities were not only available for the influx of personnel from varying agencies including new Army Personnel (Fort Polk/Bragg MP’s, 311th Mortuary Affairs (Puerto Rico), etc) would have adequate support. He had to refurbish deserted buildings quickly to house and shelter the personnel as well as provide secure work spaces for them. The dining facility was also a major concern since it did not have ample assets to have continuous operations with so many personnel. He also had to address force protection issues regarding security at the gates and barricades that had to be put in place.

One of the biggest problems he had was the personnel that worked for him did not update their identification cards when they should have and as a result they were not allowed on base. He has now made sure that everyone keeps them regularly updated to make sure these problems don’t occur again.

Mr. Kirk J. Newlem was the NCIOC of Logistics for the US ArmyBand on Fort Myer. His normal day consist of logistical issues unique to a band unit. On 9/11 he went to the Pentagon to address needs of his troops there when he found a void in leadership and took on the role.

Abstract: SGM Kirk J. Newlem is the NCIOC of Logistics for the US Army Band stationed on Fort Myer. He is usually mired in the office work it takes for the special missions to be completed by the Band. But on 9/11 everything changed. He was keeping track of the events as they were unfolding in New York when he was told that an aircraft struck the Pentagon. Most of the non-essential persons were sent home that day or told not to come in. SGM Newlem stayed to oversee new force protection issues and to monitor events.

The TUSAB was later tasked by MDW to provide lighting systems and mobile generators to the attack site in support of rescue operations. His technical support team was dispatched to the Pentagon to insure that the equipment was maintained. He was finishing up paper work late that first night and wondering if the needs of his troops were being met that were dispatched. When he could not get in touch with them, he decided to go to the attack site himself and assess what further actions would be needed. When he arrived there approximately 2330 that night many people was still wondering around shocked and confused. After a few minutes soldiers began approaching him for direction. Since he could not find anyone who may be in charge in the chaos, he took charge of the situation and began directing the work on the ground.

When a young marine asked if he could place a flag on the roof, he arranged for him to go up. Later, when the fire began to encroach, it was hung over the side. The next day it was replaced by the large flag that became nationally recognized. After that night of leadership he found that he was missing something all these years as an administrator and retired shortly there after.

SFC Lori Larson is a vocalist with TUSAB (The US Army Band). She was tasked to help the Secret Service make ID cards for the Pentagon attack site.

Abstract: SFC Lori Larson is a vocalist with the TUSAB who was tasked to help the Secret Service make ID cards for the Pentagon attack site work area. On 9/11 she was at home when the attacks began and was told not to come in until she was told to. All of the upcoming functions were at tentatively cancelled. After several days she was asked if she would like to help out at the Pentagon and she said “yes”. When she got there everything was already set up and all she had to do was type in the pre-approved information into the computer. She was very busy that day.

SFC Mary Beth Mailand is a Harpist with the TUSAB (The US Army Band). She was tasked to help the Secret Service make ID cards for the Pentagon attack site.

Abstract: SFC Mary Beth Mailand is a harpist with the TUSAB who was tasked to help the Secret Service make ID cards for the Pentagon attack site work area. On 9/11 she was at home when the attacks began and was told not to come in until she was told to. All of the upcoming functions were at tentatively cancelled. After several days she was asked if she would like to help out at the Pentagon and she said “yes”. When she got there everything was already set up and all she had to do was type in the pre-approved information into the computer. She was very busy that day.

NEIT – 557: SFC Bob W. McDonald, US Army Band, 02/06/02 (Dover), AA

SFC McDonald provided basic information about the role the band played, but had no real substance necessary for an abstract.

Abstract: SFC McDonald provided basic information about the U.S. Army Band’s response efforts to the Pentagon attack on 9-11-01. He didn’t have much in the way of information about the Pentagon response, but did offer information about playing in New York City for the rescue workers. Interview was conducted 6 February 2002.

MSG Todenhoft provided basic information about the role the band played, and how quiet they all seemed to be to themselves, but had no real substance necessary for an abstract.

Abstract: MSG Todenhoft provided basic information about the role the band played, and how quiet they all seemed to be to themselves that day following the attack. He didn’t have much in the way of information about the Pentagon response. Interview was conducted 6 February 2002.

COL Lamb “heard boom” of plane hitting Pentagon. He also provided basic information about the role the band played (mirrored comments by MSG Heisen) and how their efforts of having a Music Combo play during lunch seemed to aid the rescue and relief workers as they took a moment to rest while they ate. They also did this at the WTC in New York.

NEIT – 560: SFC Louis W. Durham, US Army Band, 02/06/02 (Dover), AA

SFC Durham provided basic information about the performances at the Pentagon, but had no real substance necessary for an abstract.

Abstract: SFC Durham provided basic information about the U.S. Army Band’s response efforts to the Pentagon attack on 9-11-01. He also added that the band “stepped up to the call” by performing their mission while at the same time their performances of music eased the tensions of those on the scene of the attack. Interview was conducted 6 February 2002.

SGM Cardenas, Antonio provided extremely valuable information on several aspects of the mission and spoke of the “smells of death” within the area of operations.

Abstract: SGM Cardenas provided information on several aspects of the mission and gave a very emotional account of the scene to include the “smells of death.” He spoke of the long hours the band worked and talked about the credentialing of individuals to get into the area, a mission the band performed in conjunction with the FBI and Arlington County Police. He spoke about what was needed in the future for the Army to train for such attacks in case they happen again. He also spoke of their mission of providing perimeter guards since they were deployed right after the incident to the crash site area. They had really good internal communications to assist in their mission with no real communications problems. Interview was conducted 6 February 2002.

SGM Tilbury provided extremely valuable information on how the band responded including a Brass Quintet Performance for the victim’s families at a Memorial Service held on 16 Sep. 01 at the Sheraton Motel south of the Navy Annex.

Abstract: SGM Tilbury provided extremely valuable information on how the band responded including a Brass Quintet Performance for the victim’s families at a Memorial Service held on 16 Sep 01 at the Sheraton Motel south of the Navy Annex, and he also mentioned how it eased the emotions of the families of the victims as well as many of the aspects of their mission on the scene. He also talked about how they performed during 12-hour shifts to their work initially and with all the band members, they only had to use 8-10 people at a time to do so. During their duties they worked with the FBI to make Ids and credentials for those who were to enter the areas, and security was very important although they were just outside the recovery areas. He spoke of their good working relationships with the other agencies such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army in providing assistance to those in need. This was a very good interview. Interview was conducted 6 February 2002.

SGM Wilbert McMillon is a Percussion musician of TSUAB (The US Army Band). He had a good dialogue about the events of 9/11 but was not effected them and did not participate in any of the recovery operations.

Abstract: SGM Wilbert McMillon plays various non-drum percussion instruments with TUSAB. He was not directly affected by the events of 9/11 and was not involved in any of the recovery operations. The interview mainly consisted of how he became a percussion instrumentalist with the band and some of his supply duties on the side.

NEIT – 564: SGT Jeremy Herserman, US Army Band, 02/06/02 (Majors), AA

SGT Jeremy Heiserman – US Army Band Driver. COL Lamb’s driver. Heard explosion at the Pentagon that day. Not much info.

SFC Maria L. DeLaCerda – Drum Major US Army Band. In Arlington National Cemetery completing a funeral at the time of the attack. Saw the plane (which she thought was a normal flyover) and the aftermath. Was a courier for the Emergency Operation Center. Good interview.

SSG Terry Bingham – US Army Band. Helped at the Pentagon site doing I.D. Cards. Performed a trumpet solo at the National Cathedral for the national prayer service for 9/11.

NEIT – 569: SGM Deborah McGarity, US Army Band, 02/06/02 (Majors), AA

SGM Deborah McGarity – Concert Band. Very general account of her experience on 9/11. No direct participation in the army response to the attack.

NEIT – 570: LTC Henry L. Huntley, OCPA, 02/08/02 (Dover) T/R, AA

LTC Henry L. Huntley – Provided extremely valuable information on burned people and how they were coughing up black soot out of their lungs.

NEIT – 571: Ms. Janet A. Menig, Deputy ACSIM, 02/14/02 (Shirer) T/R

Ms. Menig was at a meeting in Crystal City on the morning of 11 September. She talks about her two secretaries that were killed and her executive officer, LTC Birdwell, who was severely burned. She also discusses office operations in the weeks after the attack.

Abstract: Ms. Menig was at a meeting in Crystal City on the morning of 11 September. She talks about her two secretaries that were killed and her executive officer, LTC Brian D. Birdwell (NEIT-623), who was severely burned. She also discusses office operations in the weeks after the attack. She states that she and her boss, MG Robert Van Antwerp (NEIT–572), had moved into their new office, 2E486, in the renovated wedge at the end of June. She said that her office shared a common wall with LTG Timothy Maude’s personal office. Due to the flooding in the main ACSIM area near their old office of 1E668, all ACSIM personnel except the division chiefs and their executive officers were told to stay home until the area was cleaned. She and MG Van Antwerp moved back into their old office in room 1E668. She also praises CW5 Craig W. Sincock, whose wife Cheryl was one of her two secretaries that died, for his work in the Pentagon Family Support Center in the two months after 11 September.

NEIT – 572: MG Robert Van Antwerp, ACISM, 02/14/02 (Lofgren) T

General Van Antwerp was attending a meeting in Crystal City when the plane struck. He discusses his efforts to gain rapid accountability for his people and the emotional effects of the attack. “We took care of our people. It’s what we do.”

Mr. John M. Sitek is a contactor with Lockheed/Martin who was working out of the IMCEN (Information Management Center) when the Pentagon was struck. His office had the communications contract for the pentagon. His section was instrumental in saving the servers and redrawing the schematic to reconnect all of the displaced Pentagon employees.

Abstract: Mr. John M. Sitek is a contractor with Lockheed/Martin who has the Pentagon communications contract through IMCEN. He recognized major problems early on and was able to divert many communications and information disasters before they stuck. At the time he was a team chief that was in charge of rewiring the renovated areas of the Pentagon and bring the system up to today’s standards. When the Pentagon was struck he recognized that the airplane’s path was right next to the major server bank that held most of the Pentagon servers and there backups. He sent his “Voodoo Engineers” out to find and save those servers before they were destroyed by the fire. The servers are now being stored separately so one incident doesn’t take them all out.

He was also given an emergency task to get the communications back on line as soon as possible. With the telephones system loaded overcapacity it was imperative to find alternatives. His engineers began the exhausting task of rewiring and tracing all of the wiring and connections from the last 50 years. They rapidly reconstituted communications to the key offices and then began to backward rebuild the rest of the network. They were operating so efficiently that they also took on the daunting task of reconnecting all of the displaced personnel from the Pentagon. Mr. Sitek then began to create a massive schematic of all of the offices wherever they were scattered with every subscriber and within 96 hours after the attack had close to 97% of the network subscribers back online.

It was a huge task to perform in such short time but he and his crew were honored with promotions and raises because of their success in such a short time frame.

LTC David D. Phillips is the G-3 budget analyst working in DAMO-ZR office of the Pentagon. He had a very articulate and descriptive account of the escape from the Pentagon. He received a MSM (Meritorous Service Medal) for his actions after his escape while helping others to escape and to help control the spread of the fire. He also discussed the rebuilding of files lost and budgetary re-assessment concerns after 9/11.

Abstract: LTC David D. Phillips is the G-3 Budget Analyst. He was very descriptive about his account on 9/11. He was working on the end of fiscal year accounts making sure the books were balanced when his wife called about the attacks at the WTC. He walked over to a television to catch the news when the Colonel came over and saw everyone standing around and decided to kick off a meeting early. He went back to his desk wondering why they didn’t hit the Pentagon instead.

When the plane struck he was wondering why the office turned the color of yellow. He did not really remember the concussion just the color of the office and MAJ Richardson yelling get down and then leaping on him to protect him from falling debris.

He also gave a detailed dissertation of the evacuation and escape from the building. He also describes what the building looked like and the shocked look of the walking wounded as the crawled from the building. He was asked to help at a triage station and assess casualties. He was later asked to help move barrels of flame retardant that were being threatened by the fire. He received an MSM for saving it for the firefighters to use.

He soon was told to move away from the building and to evacuate the area. He then described the trials and tribulations he faced trying to get home.

NEIT – 576: Ms. Dale Jovero, DC Metro USO, 02/11/02 (Dover) T/R, AA

Ms. Dale Jovero, V.P. USO Metro DC - Provided valuable information on several aspects of the USO response to victims families and misplaced workers. She also spoke to services provided to the soldiers assigned to MDW from many different places including Puerto Rico [Mortuary Affairs Co.]. This interview was very emotional as well.

Abstract: Ms. Jovero, Vice President of the Washington D.C. Metro USO, provided a very emotional account of the assistance the USO provided immediately and during the days following the attack on the Pentagon. She spoke of their work with the various agencies to include the FBI, Salvation Army, Red Cross and others to provide assistance. She also talked about the families of the victims, who they had to provide housing and food for during the search and rescue efforts, since some of the families’ loved ones had not yet been found…some had no remains that could be identified. She also spoke of the work the FBI did to help them out by dropping telephone lines and lots of computers in the ballroom area of the community center at Ft. Myer and how the center became a place of operations. They assisted families as well as worked as a temporary operations center for the FBI, and they worked 24 hours a day for several weeks after the attack. This became an emotional interview for her, yet it’s filled with valuable information. Interview was conducted 11 February 2002.

Abstract: LTC Walker is the Chief of the Repatriation POW/MIA Actions Branch and gave valuable information on how the Army dealt with the victims’ families. She spoke of how they set up casualty operations and 1-800 numbers to send/receive information to families of the victims and how there needs to be more training on this type contingency in the future. Interview was conducted 13 February 2002.

NEIT – 578: MG Gene M. LaCoste, ADCSPER, 02/22/02 (Rossow/Shirer) T/E

MG LaCoste was at Ft. Leavenworth on 11 September. He describes his actions as the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel after his return to Washington, DC.

Abstract: MG LaCoste was appointed Assistant G-1 on 9 July 2001. On 11 September he was TDY to Ft. Leavenworth, KS meeting with Command and General Staff Course and CAS3 students. He was informed of the attack on the Pentagon during the morning and canceled the meetings to return to Washington, DC. He and the three officers accompanying him received special clearance to fly back to Andrews AFB by military aircraft. He arrived at the Pentagon at approximately 1800 hours and met with COL Mark Lewis who briefed him on the situation and the status of accounting for all the people in G-1. He was informed at that time that LTG Maude, the G-1, was missing. He assumed the duties as acting G-1 at that time and operated out of the Personnel Crisis Center (PCC) in the Army Operations Center (AOC) because the main G-1 office area was in the area destroyed by the plane. The process of accounting for all Department of Army personnel included contacting all local hospitals to see which ones had casualties, contacting military and civilian employees at home, and establishing a 1-800 line for personnel to call to report their location and status. All military personnel were accounted for by 0600 on the 12th, the Department of the Army civilian personnel took longer. He ordered that military representatives be assigned to each hospital, which had casualties. The representative was to track who was currently being treated and their status, find out who had been treated and either released or transferred to another hospital, and to provide liaison between the families of the injured and the Army.

MG LaCoste contacted MG Adair, Commander of Personnel Command (PERSCOM), and arranged to establish DCSPER-FWD at the Hoffman Building where PERSCOM is located. MG Adair agreed and shifted personnel and assets to free up space within twenty-four hours after the request. The most difficult and critical issue was prioritizing tasks needed to take care of people, visit hospitals and initiate the family support mechanism for the injured and their families and the families of the missing. He began looking immediately for space in the Pentagon to re-establish operations. He saw it emotionally important to move people back into the Pentagon as soon as possible, and arranged to re-occupy the offices the G-1 had vacated during the summer to move into the renovated Wedge One. He had all of his people back in their old offices by early January from their temporary locations at the Hoffman Building and the Taylor Building.

He lost twenty-four soldiers and civilians on 11 September. He attended the funerals and memorial services for each, the last of which was on 10 December. It was a challenge to maintain morale and focus on the future during this time. He had to watch the mental condition of his leaders who were attending multiple funerals and memorial services each week day and weekend from September through December. He commented that it took time for his people, especially the civilians, to deal with the realization that the Pentagon was now a combat zone. He lauds everyone for a response that was more than he would have expected before hand. The G-1 lost twenty percent of its people and is not “combat ineffective” as a combat unit would be listed after suffering a similar lost.

He said that is it significant that the General Officer’s wives attended the funerals with their husbands, giving support to their husbands and to the families of the bereaved. He commended Mrs. Shinseki for accompanying her husband to every funeral he attended and special touch she had in comforting the families of the deceased. He also commended the wife of COL Doane, who organized an ad hoc family support group of seven or eight wives within the G-1 to support the families of the injured.

NEIT – 579: LTC Phillip J. Smith, DAPE-MPO, 02/20/02 (Dover) T/R, AA

LTC Phillip Smith – Provided extremely valuable information on several aspects of the plane collision and the vivid details within the corridors of D-Ring too numerous to mention including the loss of four (4) co-workers. He was in 2D450 at time of attack and was on fire and later MEDEVACed to Arlington Hospital.

Abstract: LTC Smith provided extremely valuable information on several aspects of the plane collision and the vivid details within the corridors of D-Ring too numerous to mention including the loss of four (4) co-workers. He was in 2D450 at time of attack and was on fire and later MEDEVACed to Arlington Hospital. This was a very important interview with valuable information. Interview was conducted 13 February 2002.

Ms. Elaine Rogers, President, USO Metro DC - Provided extremely valuable information on all aspects of the USO response to victims families and misplaced workers. She also spoke about services provided to the soldiers assigned to MDW from many different places including Puerto Rico [Mortuary Affairs Co.]. This interview was very emotional as her staff wasn’t prepared to deal with the grieving victim’s families as some came to DC with no place to stay or no one to turn to. There is an information sheet and timeline available from the USO.

Abstract: Ms. Rogers, President of the Washington D.C. Metro USO, provided a very emotional account of the assistance the USO provided immediately and during the days following the attack on the Pentagon. She spoke of their work with the various agencies to include the FBI, Salvation Army, Red Cross and others to provide assistance. She also talked about the families of the victims, who they had to provide housing and food for during the search and rescue efforts, since some of the families’ loved ones had not yet been found…some had no remains that could be identified. This became an emotional interview for her, yet it’s filled with valuable information. Interview was conducted 19 February 2002.

MAJ Joseph Gerard of the Objective Force Task Force works in a think tank that assesses the needs of the Army in short and long term. His proposals often go to the Joint Chiefs for approval and then on to the Army transformation office for implementation. His main concern on that day was the fear for his child’s safety who was at the Pentagon day care center.

Abstract: MAJ Joseph Gerard of the Objective Force Task Force started his day like any other routine, but when the WTC was struck by terrorist he immediately went to the Pentagon to remove his child from the day care there which was only a couple blocks away. He was complaining that the automatic gate at that point was not working for the past several days. All he could envision was a truck bomb being driven into the day care center part of the Pentagon. When he checked his child from day care he headed towards his wife’s office to get ready to get out of the area. He had a looming sense of doom was about to strike. As soon as he walked back into Crystal City he heard an explosion behind him and saw the fireball and smoke billow upward. He went back to his office then to get a hold of his wife who was frantic about the attack and their child. It took him several minutes for him to calm her down and explain what had happened. They spent the rest of the day gathering the kids out of school and watching the events on the television. A large portion of the interview focused on how the Army was going to change in lieu of the attack. His office was trying to focus the Army’s objectives towards the new war we were going to face for the next several years and how it has to adapt.

SGT Royane Cruz-Cortez. Wall collasped on her. Helped find young child. Led others out of the Pentagon.

SGT Roxanne Cruz-Cortez- Sgt Cruz works in the Pentagon in the Personnel Administrative Center as an Office Administrative Assistant. On September 11th she was in her office helping Specialist April Gallup who was there with her 2-month-old son. When the plane hit the Pentagon the lights went out in her area and she could only see by the light of the fire. A wall fell onto her cubicle and she was trapped in her chair until another soldier was able to lift the rubble off of her. After Sgt. Cruz was released she and Cpl. Bruno proceeded to help others out a window to safety. All personnel escaped with only minor injuries.

LTC Robert D. Michaud works in the Pentagon in office 3D557 as a Multifunction Logistician. Previously he worked as an Ordinance Officer. On September 11th Ltc. Michaud was in his office when the plane struck the Pentagon. He stated that he felt the explosion and saw the smoke outside his window. Ltc. Michaud began taking accountability of all office personnel and secured all classified materials. Ltc. Michaud then directed personnel out of the building and into the courtyard. Ltc. Michaud states lessons learned at the end of his interview.

NEIT – 584: LTC Gregory J. Fritz, DAPE-ZXI, 02/21/02 (Mantini)

LTC Daniel Fritz- Information Management Director. Vivid and articulate account of the attack on the Pentagon and the sub sequential reaction of the people around him. Also, he gave a detailed account of rebuilding his office and the control and flow of information after 9/11.

NEIT – 585: MAJ Vesen L. Thompson, OCLL, 02/22/02 (Dover), AA

MAJ Vessen L. Thompson – Service member knocked out of his chair as blast & fireball went past him (Pentagon Room 3E349).

Abstract: MAJ Thompson, a Congressional Affairs Contact Officer, was knocked out of his chair as blast & fireball went past him (Pentagon Room 3E349). He spoke about being in the midst of confusion following the attack and talked about how there needed to be some type of early warning system(s) in place to warn Pentagon employees of impending dangers of terrorist threats. This was a very good interview. Interview was conducted 22 February 2002.

NEIT – 586: Mr. Keith Dearden, DAMO-ZR, 02/22/02 (Dover), AA

Mr. Keith Dearden provided valuable information about escape routes being blocked which could have cause more injuries or even casualties. He was in Pentagon Room 3E479.

Abstract: Mr. Dearden provided valuable information about escape routes being blocked which may have caused more injuries or even casualties. He was in Pentagon Room 3E479 at the time of the attack. He spoke about the mass confusion created between the security of the masses vs. the mass transit of employees and visitors towards the Metro railway system. He raised the question of just how safe they were with so many visitors present. Very good lessons learned points. Interview was conducted 22 February 2002.

NEIT – 587: Mr. Darrell Green, DACS-ZAA, 02/22/02 (Dover), AA

MAJ Darrell Green provided basic information about the impact since he felt it hit, and made a recommendation that more people need to be Combat Lifesaver Qualified in case the need arises again.

Abstract: Mr. Green provided basic information about the impact since he felt it hit, and made a recommendation that more people need to be Combat Lifesaver Qualified in case the need arises again. He also spoke about the classified documents being secured before the exit of the building, and the need for more early warning systems in and around the Pentagon, as well as the need for “VISIBLE” fire extinguishers. This was a very good interview. Interview was conducted 22 February 2002.

NEIT – 588: LTC Debra Fix, DAPE-MPE, 02/21/02 (Dover) T/R, AA

LTC Debra Fix provided information on the attacks and how she was able to escape after hearing and seeing the building move. Her eardrums “felt like they burst” as she noted, and she also lost a friend, LTC Karen Wagner. This was an emotional interview.

Abstract: LTC Fix provided valuable information on the attacks and how she was able to escape after hearing and seeing the building move. Her eardrums “felt like they burst” as she noted, and she also lost a close friend, LTC Karen Wagner. She has also offered her briefcase for our artifact collection following her husband’s return from the Sinai so he’ll get a chance to see it. This was a very emotional interview. Interview was conducted 21 February 2002.

Mrs. Mary Ann Stanford-Terrien – Army G3. Moved to that section of Pentagon in June. Heard plane and saw it flying very low. Office destroyed and lost a friend. Varying her daily routine probably saved her life.

NEIT – 591: MAJ Linda Herbert, DAPE-MPO-S, 02/25/02 (Majors) T/R, AA

MAJ Linda Herbert – Army G-1. Had only been in that office space 45 days prior to attack. Fuselage exploded directly under her section. Listening to her instincts to evacuate in a different direction than the fire plan saved her from the fireball.

NEIT – 592: COL Robert Cox, DAMO-ODR, 02/25/02 (Majors) T, AA

Col Robert Cox- Division Chief of OD in the G-3. Is in charge of contingency planning for large disasters for the Army.

NEIT – 593: LTC Gregory Johansen, DALO-PLZ-X, 02/26/02 (Shirer) T

LTC Johansen describes his escape from the ODCSLOG office area near the area hit by the plane on 11 September. He also discusses his work in the Logistics Crisis Action Center from 12 September until the end of December.

Abstract: LTC Johansen describes his escape from the ODCSLOG office area near the area hit by the plane on 11 September. He also discusses his work in the Logistics Crisis Action Center from 12 September until the end of December. His office was the open bay area designated 3D349 of the renovated wedge. He recounts their efforts to escape the area being stymied by the fire doors that closed automatically at the end of the third corridor in between the A and B rings. None of the personnel in his office had been told about them or how to open them in an emergency. He remembers COL Mathias R. Velasco holding open the door to their bay so they could get back into it and try to exit through the second corridor side. All of the personnel from his office gathered near I-395 and were told to go home after they were accounted for. No one from his division was injured.

COL Haynes discusses providing chaplain support to the rescue and recovery personnel and Pentagon employees on and after 11 September.

Abstract: COL Haynes discusses providing chaplain support to the rescue and recovery personnel and Pentagon employees on and after 11 September. He recalls being told about the two airliners crashing into the World Trade Towers about ten minutes before the sirens in the Pentagon sounded and “evacuate the building” was announced over loud speakers. He exited the building and went with the crowds that were being directed to the far side of I-395. He initially comforted the people who were crying and then went back to the building and joined the other chaplains helping the injured. He remembers that the E ring façade collapsed twenty to thirty minutes after he left the Pentagon. He spent the next two days counseling the rescue workers and visiting the injured in the local hospitals. He explains how he organized and led prayer services in the Pentagon Chapel on 14 September. He also addresses the reinforcement his office received from five National Guard Chaplains and Chaplain (MG) Gaylord T. Gunhus, Chief of Chaplains, to establish a critical incident stress management team that ministered to Pentagon personnel for the next forty-five days. This is a very good account of how the military chaplains performed their ministerial and counseling duties.

COL Wallace describes his rescue of LTC Brian Birdwell and searching for other victims of the attack on the Pentagon. He was in the large ODCSPER office area between the E and C rings when the plane hit the Pentagon and was not injured.

Abstract: COL Wallace describes his rescue of LTC Brian D. Birdwell (NEIT-623) and searching for other victims of the attack on the Pentagon. He was in the large ODCSPER office area between the E and C rings when the plane hit the Pentagon and was not injured. COL Wallace was in 2C450 participating in a conference call with PERSCOM when the plane hit the Pentagon. The shock wave knocked him out of his chair and blew out the windows on the C ring, fifty feet behind him. He recounts how he and two other officers got everyone immediately around them out of the office area and remained behind shouting for others to come to the sound of their voices until they room was totally filled with smoke. He provides an excellent description of finding LTC Brian D. Birdwell and LTC John L. Thurman (NEIT-007) and getting them to the triage point near the Redskin Snack Bar. He also covers how he and four other officers searched the fourth and fifth corridor areas in the DCSPER area for additional personnel who might have been trapped. He states that none of them knew about the quick release latches on the newly installed fire doors, which blocked their efforts to escape down the shortest route initially and then blocked them from getting into other damaged areas to search for survivors. He explains how he and other ODCSPER division chiefs accounted for their personnel in the assembly area along Route 27. He also gives a brief account of how PERSCOM provided space and equipment for the displaced ODCSPER sections to reconstitute and establish operations at the Hoffman Building. This is an excellent account of soldiers keeping calm and focused on rescuing their comrades.

NEIT – 596: Lisa Burgess, Stars & Stripes, 02/28/02 (Lofgren) T

A journalist assigned to the Pentagon, Burgess was walking through the A-ring directly across from the impact site at the moment the plane hit. She moved to the courtyard where she spent the next several hours in rescue and medical assistance operations. She provides a detailed account of events in the courtyard from her perspective.

Abstract: Lisa Burgess is a reporter for Stars & Stripes. She was in the A-ring at the time of the attack directly across from the point of impact. Her initial thought was it was a truck bomb. She went back to her office and then to the courtyard where she saw badly burned people and began trying to help them. After about ten minutes guards ran through the courtyard saying there was another inbound plane. After nothing happened and hearing calls for fire extinguishers, she went into the basement where the smoke was very heavy. Returning to the courtyard she met up with LTC Pete Limoges, USA, and LTC Tedd Ogren, USAF, and a woman Navy Veterinarian, and together they waited out another alarm of an inbound plane. Moving through a seemingly empty courtyard, they tried to enter the building at the Corridor 3/4 entrance, but encountered heavy smoke—“absolutely poison.” She remained in the courtyard until mid-afternoon and estimates there were 150 people there. She provides good descriptions of the courtyard as well as the area outside the impact site, to where she later moved. Noting all the people lined up to go inside, she observed “People were just desperate to get back in there and get people out. . . . People were taking ridiculous risks.” She was impressed, however, by how calm everyone was. [She wrote a 13 Sep piece for Stars and Stripes and provided a copy of memo she wrote recommending Limoges and Ogren for “acts of heroism.”]

NEIT – 597: MG John Wood, DAMO-SS, 03/01/02 (Lofgren) T

General Wood was in his 3E450 office at the time of attack. He provides an account of his morning before the attack, then describes the explosion, raging fire and smoke combined with his inability to escape his office, and his rescue by BG Eikenberry. He describes the general evacuation of the PNT, movement to Pentagon City, and trip home.

NEIT – 598: Mr. Ira Crytzer, DALO-SMP, 03/01/02 (Lofgren)

Crytzer recently had relocated to 3D426, and after the plane struck he could see the fire on the roof of the second floor. He moved expeditiously to the Concourse (where his wife had a dental appointment), and then searched for his wife outside about an hour after the attack.

NEIT – 599: Mr. Ashwani Verma, IMCEN/CEXEC, 02/27/02 (MSG Majors)

Mr. Ashwani Verma worked at Pentagon in one of the offices that had a fairly non-eventful evacuation from the building.

NEIT – 600: LTC Janett Hodnett, ACSIM, 02/27/02 (MSG Majors) T/R, AA

LTC Janett Hodnett – Installation Management. Very good account of 9/11. Office was about 200 feet from impact area. Detailed account of evacuation. She lost two co-workers. Involved in school out-reach to help children understand cope with 9/11.

Civilian Defense Analyst/Consultant for SAIC is interviewed in connection with his evacuation and subsequent treatment of his injuries during the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.

Danny G. Jamison, Defense Analyst in the Force Analysis Division for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is interviewed by SFC Marc Mantini, 305th Military History Detachment in conjunction with the 11 September terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee gives an overview of his career. Relates how co-workers were watching CNN’s coverage of the World trade Center. Interesting conversation related where he and I co-worker discuss possibility of that happening to the Pentagon. He relates the sights, sounds, and smells he recalls after the impact of the plane into the Pentagon. He was thrown through a wall and relates his immediate actions and those of his co-workers. Discusses the evacuation of the area and of people helping others over walls to safety. He relates a funny story about finding his briefcase. Describes what it looked like once they were evacuating including seeing parts of the airplane and seeing “chimneys” of fire. His concept of time has come into question as he is helped by a chaplain (who ran over from Crystal City) to the triage area (which is well established). He questioned whether he was unconscience longer than he may have realized. Describes the triage scene (including F16 flyover and helicopter dust-offs) and his trip to Virginia Medical Center. Relates some of his lingering health problems since the attack and his daughters’ reaction.

Keywords:

Triage

Evacuation

NEIT – 602: LTC Richard Nord, DAMO-ZT, 02/27/02 (SFC Mantini) T/R, AA

LTC Richard Nord – Thin on commentary, more of a yes/no session with individual.

LTC Richard Nord worked as a Strategic Planner for the Guard Bureau in the Army Transportation Department. On September 11th LTC Nord was working in his office that is located 3D450 in the Pentagon. He heard a loud explosion and felt a slight tremor. People in the back of his office saw the fireball and left the office. LTC Nord followed his co-workers out to the courtyard to safety.

Mr. Paul Yoder - Senior program analyst. He had nothing pertinent to this situation. He felt uncomfortable about being interviewed.

Mr. Paul Yoder works in the Pentagon in the Deputy Chief of Staff of Programs Office as a Senior Program Analyst working on the Army Transformation Campaign. At the time of the attack on September 11th, Mr. Yoder was in a small conference room in the D-ring of the Pentagon. He felt the blast of the impact of the plane and saw the flames and smoke through the windows. Mr. Yoder explained that the outer glass of the conference room windows blew inward with the impact but the new inner windows made of Kevlar held fast. Mr. Yoder feels that without the new inner windows many of the people in that room would have been injured by the fire and smoke.

Mr. Patrick Smith - Information Management Specialist. He primarily discussed his post 9/11 involvement with getting the software back on line for all the displaced Pentagon workers

Mr. Patrick Smith works as an Information Management Specialist in the Pentagon at the Office of the Directorate of Information. This office was severely damaged by the attack on September 11th. Mr. Smith was at his cubicle when the explosion occurred. The wall came forward and separated from the ceiling, the ceiling collapsed, and the lights went out. The fireball from the 2nd explosion came over the wall and engulfed two of his co-workers that were right in front of him. Both became casualties. Mr. Smith hit the floor and crawled receiving burns on his arms and head. Mr. Smith crawled about 25 feet to where he could be clear of the fire and climbed out a window that had shattered in the blast. Mr. Smith is recovering from the trauma as well as the injuries sustained in the September 11th attack on the Pentagon.

- CPT Lance Giddens is an ordinance officer at the Pentagon. His office is the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. On September 11th Cpt. Giddens was at his desk watching about the Trade Centers when the plane struck near his office. He told how the room shook violently and he heard multiple explosions but wasn’t sure what direction they were coming from. The lights went out and the room filled with smoke and he dropped to the floor as he felt the concussion of the last blast. Command Sergeant Major Tony Rose attempted to take charge and gather all office personnel and escort them out the building. Cpt. Giddens made his way through smoke-filled corridors out to the center courtyard.

Kirk Hamlet. Standard fare of events of 11 SEPT 01. [Hmmm, he subsequently received an award for valor. SJL]

Mr. Kirk Hamlet works for the Army Chief Force [??] at the Pentagon. His office is across the building from the crash site. On the morning of September 11th Mr. Hamlet was in a meeting in the Army Operation Center, which is in the direct path of flight77. The meeting was interrupted by a woman announcing that the Trade centers had been attacked. This interruption broke up the meeting and Mr. Hamlet went to get a cup of coffee and use the restroom at corridor 5, E-ring. When Mr. Hamlet went to leave the restroom he opened the door just as the plane hit and he was thrown into the wall by the force of the blast. The lights went out, the walls buckled, and the ceiling collapsed in places. Out in the hallway there was a lot of smoke and a large group of people were steadily evacuating the corridor. Mr. Hamlet then proceeded to the courtyard where he received medical attention.

NEIT – 607: COL Stephen Austin, DAIM-ED, 03/01/02 (MSG Majors), AA

COL Stephen Austin – Army Environmental Office. Office evacuated on 9/11. Tried to provide whatever assistance he could. Came back in building to search for fire extinguishers.

COL Stephen Austin – Army Environmental Office is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Information on personal background and Army career provided. Scope of the operation and number of employees in this section. Office personnel were watching events concerning the World Trade Center when they felt the tremors. Entire office had to be evacuated. He related how he took his tee shirt off, wet it, put it over his face and went into the D ring to help. Discussed the fire extinguisher situation and some of the structural information including the windows. Discussed some of the personal and professional challenges of this event.

LTC Darrell Fountain discussed the fact that the published fire evacuation plan was not the best escape route that day. However, since that was the way he thought they were “supposed” to go, he dutifully led co-workers down the approved escape route.

LTC Darrell Fountain – a communication and information officers with the Army G-6 (CIO) is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provides information on his 20 years in the Army and the scope of his mission in the CIO. At the time of the attack, their office was located at 3C560 and employed about 100 personnel. (Note another 100 persons are located at various other locations throughout the NCR outside the Pentagon). Discussed the fact that the published fire evacuation plan was not the best escape route that day. However, since that was the way he thought they were “supposed” to go, he dutifully led co-workers down the approved escape route. He describes some of the sights and sounds as well as some of his personal observations of the evacuation process. Discusses the accountability of office personnel and the response after the attack. Their immediate mission after the attack was to get everyone “back up” with phones and e-mail and to begin reconstitution.

LTC martin Binder is the DAMO analyst for DAMO-ZR in the G-3 office of the Pentagon. He was in the building the day of the attack, but did not wish to discuss it. He received a MSM for his selfless acts that day but did not wish to discuss that either.

Abstract: LTC Martin Binder works as the DAMO analyst for the DAMO-ZR. He did not wish to discuss what his responsibilities in that position were. He was in the Pentagon the day of the attack, but did not elaborate on the details of his escape. He received a MSM for his selfless acts that day but did not wish to talk about why. He rescheduled the appointment several times before the interview took place and did not want to do the interview.

COL Bruce Palmatier is the Chief Research Analyst of DCSOPS (Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations) G-3 from the DAMO-ZR office in the Pentagon. The aircraft struck one floor below his office on 9/11. He concentrated on the immediate accountability of his office and began to gather everyone together for an orderly escape. The following days he worked to get everyone back on line.

Abstract: COL Bruce Palmatier is the Chief Research Analyst of the DCSOPS G-3 from the DAMO-ZR office in the Pentagon. On the morning of 9/11, he was sitting in a meeting that was just breaking up when the airplane struck the building. The path of the airplane was just a couple of feet below his office, which within thirty minutes collapsed downward. That was enough time for COL Palmatier to get his people to safety. Moments after the attack, in the dark smoke filled offices, he began to call out role to get an accurate account of everyone. When he was satisfied that everyone was accounted for he began moving everyone out of the structure. Once out side and comfortable that he had everyone accounted for, he sent all non-essential persons home and began planning for the office to relocate.

The next day he brought the key essentials together in a make shift office in the cafeteria. Within hours they had a working draft on what the needed to do and set the ball rolling. By that Friday everyone was back on line and working. There were quite a few hard copy research files that were lost but besides a few personal files, very little information was lost. A lot of the files were reconstituted from other departments who worked with the same information. By the following Monday everything was back on schedule.

Ms. Marguerite Frick is a long time Pentagon employee who worked out of the DAMO-RQ office. She loss 45 friends and acquaintances as a result of the attack. She had a very vivid account of the attack on 9/11, the escape and the sub sequential assistance provided in the aftermath to the victims.

Abstract: Ms. Marguerite Frick works in the DAMO-RQ office of the Pentagon. She gave a very good account of the attack and the loss of 45 acquaintances. She was a motivating factor for people to get out of the building. After she got out of the building she immediately started to assist the medical staff that were setting up a triage outside. When more medical staff arrived she began to write the names of the victims down to keep a running log of the injured and what section they should be placed in do to the severity of the injuries. When volunteers were asked for to help set up a triage in center court she was one of the first to go back in. There she continued organizing the paperwork for the medics treating victims. She has very vivid accounts of the temporary morgue that was set up and the chaplains giving last rights to the victims as they were being drawn from the building.

When the injured stopped coming into the courtyard and the last was evacuated, she began to make sure the firefighters and other rescuers had all the water they needed as well as anything else that she could provide. She finally made it home late that night to find frantic messages from family members. During the hours she worked assisting at the Pentagon she had lapsed to inform anyone in her family.

She had worked in and around the Pentagon for many years and knew many of the personnel in the building. She was especially well known in the DCSPER office that took the brunt of the attack. When the final victim count was tallied she knew 45 of the people who perished and many more injured. This was a very emotional interview for all concerned.

MAJ John Jessup of the DAPE-MPA-RP office from the Pentagon is a research analyst for Army Personnel. He worked in room 2D486 that was adjacent to the attack site on 9/11. He did not wish to give an interview.

Abstract: MAJ John Jessup is a Army personnel research analyst for the DAPE-MPA-RP office from room# 2D486 of the Pentagon. His office was adjacent to the path that the aircraft took when it stuck the building on 9/11. He did not wish to participate in the interview and after a few yes/no questions and some vague background information, the interview concluded.

MAJ Victor Badami is the XO of the G-3 research analyst office stationed at the Pentagon. The route the plane took through the Pentagon was directly under his office. He was singled out for his selfless duties that day but did not wish to discuss his experiences.

Abstract: MAJ Victor Badami is the XO of the G-3 research analyst office stationed at the Pentagon. On the day of the attack on 9/11, the airplane traveled just inches below his office and in approximately 30 minutes later it collapsed into the cavity left by the impact. That was plenty of time for the evacuation to occur. He did not want to discuss his experiences that day which he received an award for his selfless acts that day. He was too humble to dwell on the details. He help several people out who may otherwise wouldn’t of made it and then saved a large quantity of foam retardant from the raging inferno that was imperative for the firefighters to use in their efforts.

Except for a rough outline of the days events, little detail was given.

MAJ Charles Dickens is the DCSFOR (Deputy Chief of Staff of Forces) information officer in the G-4 section of the Pentagon. He manages the major web sights on the Army Internet Service. He evacuated with out incident and went home after he was accounted for. No major topic was discussed.

Abstract: MAJ Charles Dickens is the DCSFOR information officer at the G-4 section of the Pentagon. On 9/11 he evacuated the Pentagon with everyone else and went home after being accounted for. He was not affected by the attack other than having a couple days off since he did not hold an essential position. He was not involved with the rescue and recovery efforts. His office did not loose any information that had to be reconstituted.

Major Regina Grant was the XO of human Resources, G-1, DCSPER (Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel) office. Her office #2C458 was destroyed in the attack on 9/11 but she was in the XO meeting at the time. The conference room she was in was also struck but many of them made it out alive. She had a very detailed account of her escape that was harrowing at best. She suffered from many lacerations and severe smoke inhalation.

Abstract: MAJ Regina Grant was in an XO meeting the day of the terrorist attack on 9/11. Her normal office cubicle in the DCSPER G-1 section was destroyed. She tells a harrowing tale of escape through pitch dark, smoke filled hallways. Everyone was crawling on the floor trying to get to the next fire sprinkler for some relief from the smoke and heat. They were in a maze of disjointed cubicles that were strewn about from the explosion and fireball that engulfed the room. She believes it was a complete miracle that they escaped at all. Several times she was about to give up when someone would nudge her on or she would find someone else that had given up and that would give her the force of will to get them moving. She does not recall how long it took to get out, but it seemed like an eternity. When she finally did make it out, she was gasping for breathe and bleeding. Later that day she wrote down her experiences while it was still fresh in her memory so that it would not be lost overtime.

NEIT – 616: Mr. Raymond Robinson, DAPE-PRO, ODCSPER (LTC Rossow) T/R

Mr. Robinson is the ODCSPER Chief of Operations. He was in the Pentagon city Metro Station when the plane struck. He tells of getting back into the building to the Personnel Contingency Cell and the Continuity of Operations activities, accountability operations, and subsequent transfer to mobilization mode.

Mr. John C. Metzler – Superintendent of the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provides some background information on his history with the National Cemetery System. Talks about the mission of Operation of ANC, which includes last honors for approximately 6,000 funerals per year as well as 3,000 ceremonial events. Talked about the impact of the attack on the public access to ANC which runs around 4 million visitors a year. Discussed the number of funerals that had been conducted to date (4 Mar) as a direct result of the attack (64) as well as the number pending (2) and the number of remains unidentified to date (5).

LTC William Lewis Stoppel provided valuable information about escape routes being blocked which could have cause more injuries or even casualties. He also spoke about children being taken from the daycare center to safety.

Abstract: LTC Stoppel provided valuable information about escape routes being blocked, which could have caused more injuries or even casualties. He did speak about a good lesson learned in that there was no lighting to help people out in case of fire due to the smoke in the building. Because of this, he said there was now a directive of having chemlites or flashlights placed next to every PC terminal in the building and this initiative was supposed to take care of that problem so people could exit on their own if necessary. He provided a newly created evacuation plan for our document collection. He also spoke about children being taken from the daycare center to safety by Pentagon workers. He had some valuable points and lessons learned. Interview was conducted 4 March 2002.

BG Coggin was at Ft. Leavenworth, KS on 11 September. He describes his actions in the reconstitution of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel after 12 September.

Abstract: BG Coggin was at Ft. Leavenworth, KS on 11 September. He describes his actions in the reconstitution of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel after 12 September. He recounts being notified about the attack on the Pentagon, the flight back to Washington, DC, and his initial impressions when he arrived at the Pentagon on the afternoon of 11 September. He gives a thorough description of the ODCSPER Personnel Contingency Cell, located in the Army Operations Center, efforts to account for all the Army and Department of the Army Civilians in the Pentagon. He notes that the PCC insisted on speaking directly to each person rather than take second hand accounts on who was alive or missing. He assumed the duty as Chief of Staff for Acting DCSPER MG Gene M. Lacoste (NEIT-578) during the reconstitution of ODCSPER.

He gives a detailed explanation of how ODCSPER established a “DCSPER Forward” at the Army Operations and “DCSPER Main” at the Hoffman Building. He was in charge of “DCSPER Forward” and BG (P) Harry B. Axson ran “DCSPER Main.” He gives full credit to PERSCOM for immediately making space, equipment, and personnel available to the ODCSPER. All ODCSPER personnel and operations returned to the Pentagon in January 2002. He emphasizes that twenty percent of ODCSPER personnel were either killed or injured in the attack. He praises those officers who came to work in the PCC on the 11th for their dedication to duty and notes that most of them had escaped from the destroyed area, called home to tell their families they were safe, and worked through the night trying to account for their comrades.

Arthur Santana was driving into DC from Alexandria when he saw the smoke from the Pentagon. He went there and remained for the next thirty hours. He provides a detailed account of the atmosphere and activity outside the crash site, around the North Parking triage area, inside the courtyard, and outside the crash area during the night.

NEIT – 621: Ceci Mayhew, formerly-ACSIM (now G8), 03/07/02 (Lofgren)

Ceci Mayhew was in 1E685 watching television reporting on the WTC when she felt a change in air pressure. Office doors flew open and then shut again. She evacuated through the River entrance and into North Parking, where she used her cell phone to pass phone numbers for her husband to call families of other PNT personnel.

NEIT – 622: MAJ Lee Torres, DAMO-SSF (G3), 03/07/02 (Lofgren)

MAJ Lee Torres was in a training course (around 3B421) when he heard “rolling thunder.” He evacuated through the Concourse and became part of the crowd doing miscellaneous tasks and waiting to undertake rescue efforts. He spent the next 73 days working in the CAT.

LTC Birdwell was a victim of the attack on the Pentagon, receiving second and third degree burns over sixty percent of his body. He describes how he was burned, his rescue, and his hospitalization.

Abstract: LTC Birdwell was a victim of the attack on the Pentagon, receiving second and third degree burns over sixty percent of his body. He describes how he was burned, his rescue, and his hospitalization. He was in the ACSIM front office (2E486), overlooking the helipad, when he heard the reports about the attack on the World Trade Center. The airplane hit the Pentagon just below his office. He remembers he had just came out of the men’s restroom on the fourth corridor, between the D and E rings, and taken five or six steps toward the E ring when he heard an explosion and was knocked to the floor and engulfed in flame. He laid in the darkness for two or three minutes trying to remember where he was and trying to suppress the feeling of panic. He thought he was dying and called out “Jesus, I’m coming to see you.” He was waiting to die when he felt water from the sprinkler system put out the fire on his body and cleared the smoke so he could orient himself toward the A ring. He details how COL Roy Wallace (NEIT-595) and four other officers saw him walk out of the smoke and carried him to the triage point. He said that LTC William T. McKinnon (NEIT-375), a good friend, did not recognize LTC Birdwell until he saw Birdwell’s nametag.

He was given an IV in his right foot by an Air Force doctor at the triage point. He was put on an electric cart and taken out of the building by TSGT Jill Hyson (USAF) and a Ms. Natalie Ogletree. He praises Ms. Ogletree for praying with him, which kept him from going into shock, and that she was able to notify his wife that he was alive. He gives a detailed account of his “wild ride” to Georgetown Hospital in the back of a large SUV. He was the only victim at Georgetown Hospital and received the full attention of its burn team. He was transferred later that day to the Washington Hospital Burn Center. He talks about the many doctors and nurses who cared for him during his hospitalization. He discusses the crucial supporting role of LTC Dane Rota during his hospitalization. MG Robert Van Antwerp (NEIT-572) assigned LTC Rota as his personal representative and “heavy hitter” Mrs. Birdwell’s during his twelve weeks in the hospital. LTC Birdwell said that he was the only victim there who was provided that unique support.

Mrs. Brian (Mel) Birdwell – Wife of Pentagon victim. Very moving account of her experience with her gravely injured spouse. A very long hospital stay and separation from their son. Cooperation and support from the Army during this time. Subsequent post-hospitalization recovery and rehabilitation.

NEIT – 625: LTC John K. Collison, ACSIM, 03/05/02 (Dover), AA

MAJ John K. Collison provided extremely valuable information on the rescue assistance he provided to LTC Brian Birdwell, a severely burned victim who was later visited by Pres. and Mrs. George Bush in the hospital. He gives great details about the rescue.

Abstract: MAJ Collison provided extremely valuable information on the rescue assistance he provided to LTC Brian Birdwell, a severely burned victim who was later visited by Pres. and Mrs. George Bush in the hospital. He gives great details about the rescue and talks about the problems associated with accountability of those leaving the building. He also talked about the fact that there were no ambulances on the North side where many of the burn victims were being brought. This was a great interview. Interview was conducted 5 March 2002.

NEIT – 626: Mr. Neal A. Shelley, IMCEN, 03/05/02 (Strand), AA

Mr. Shelley lost the office that he was working in as well as half of his co-workers, and he had to takeover as the head of IMCEN.

Abstract: Mr. Neal Shelley was deputy of the Information Management Center and in charge of all computer systems in his area. Mr. Shelly’s office was at 1E155 and the strike point was 1E460. His office was completely destroyed and he lost several co-workers. Mr. Shelley and his staff rebuilt their computer systems and had them running within 72 hours. They were also responsible for ordering and desalinating 3000 laptop computers to displaced pentagon personnel. He also made sure that all displaced Pentagon personnel that moved to Crystal City had computers and network access.

COL Bruce Bachus is the Commander of USACCSA (United States Army Command and Control Support Agency) for the Army Operations Center in the Pentagon. He was walking down the 7th corridor of the Pentagon when the attack occurred. He tells of the efforts for accountability of his personnel and the problem with operating the center while it was filling with smoke.

Abstract: COL Bruce Bachus is the Commander of USACCSA for the AOC in the Pentagon. He was not aware of an attack on the WTC when, while talking down the 7th corridor, the terrorist struck the Pentagon. He continued down the hallway to the AOC even as people began evacuating. When he reached his office and assessed the situation, his first priority was the accountability of the personnel in his office. He began releasing non-key members of his staff as soon as feasible and then started to enact contingency plans for the AOC. Being short staffed that morning in the AOC, he volunteered his services and was immediately put to work. His office was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the AOC and his engineers were an essential in keeping the encroaching smoke from overwhelming the center.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work in the AOC details were not mentioned.

NEIT – 628: LTC David A. Kramer, DAMO-ZR, 03/06/02 (Dover), AA

LTC David A. Kramer provided extremely valuable information on the details about the building parts falling through the ceiling with exposed wiring. He felt the jolt of the plane hit and heard the muffled blast, and also witnessed others knocked out of their seats by the impact.

Abstract: – LTC Kramer provided information on the attack. He felt the jolt from the plane hitting the building. He also spoke about the ceiling parts falling around him in the new office areas of the G-3 (room 3E479). This interview had some specific damage information, but nothing dealing with casualties or victims. Interview was conducted 6 March 2002.

NEIT – 629: LTC Mark A. Onesi, DAMO-ZT, 03/06/02 (Majors), AA

LTC Mark A. Onesi thought the impact was an earthquake. Saw the flash between the rings of the Pentagon. Effects of 9/11 on the Army transformation from “heavy” to “light”. An excellent account of 9/11 events.

Abstract: LTC Mark A. Onesi explains the mission and scope of the Army DCSOPS Transformation Office. His office was located in 3D450, which was one of the newly renovated, newly occupied sections. Felt the building shake and thought the impact was an earthquake. Airplane was actually almost right beneath them. Saw the flash between the rings of the Pentagon. Explained the orderly escape from the building and describes the scene outside. He did not know about the World Trade Center until almost an hour after they were in the assembly area. Talks about his family’s reaction. Effects of 9/11 on the Army transformation from “heavy” & “light” did not change by rather was accelerated. An excellent account of 9/11 events.

Keywords:

Escape

Airplane

NEIT – 630: Ms. Dale Shaw, ACSIM, 03/06/02 (Dover) T/R, AA

Ms. Dale Shaw provided extremely valuable information on the details about the building evacuations and how the people didn’t know whether it was a drill or not. She remembers the building shaking, causing a suction, and she ran, leaving behind her medications. “People were so scared that they were ducking from birds flying outside.” She also mentioned points on building security.

Abstract: Ms. Shaw provided valuable information on the attack and on the people exiting the building following the crash. She spoke about people not knowing the difference between a fire drill and the real warnings that were being given out as a result of the attack. She gave very good lessons learned points as she talked about the others around her work environment not taking drills seriously until after the attack. She talked about the leadership not being sensitive to the situation, and especially now that everyone is fearful as it brings back very painful memories every time a drill is conducted. She also talked about a co-worker yelling at her to leave her keys and purse, even though she had medications and ID she needed…she just didn’t have time to get them due to the rapid departure at the commands of her co-worker (Mr. Echols). She said she just ran as fast as she could and left everything behind. Interview was conducted 6 March 2002.

NEIT – 631: COL Joseph P. Robinson, DOMS, G-3, 03/08/02 (Lapic) T, AA

COL Joseph P Robinson was in charge of Directorate of Military Support. This organization was tasked by the OSA to head up the military support effort of the civilian crisis at Pentagon and WTC NYC.

Abstract

COL Joseph P. Robinson was interviewed at his residence and is on disability. He was the Director for Military Support. (DOMS). He gives a detailed explanation of the changing authority over the Pentagon rescue and recovery operations. DOMS had an ongoing task of providing military support for civilian crisis especially involving natural disasters for legitimate organizations with funding. He explains the difference between MSCA (military support for civil authorities) and MACA (military assistance for Civil authorities). The Joint Staff was to assume the Special Management Issues (terrorism) and DOMS was to be moved out in July 2001 of 2B529(he was unsure of the exact office number). On 9/11 the CCG (Crisis Coordination Group) was activated and the office of SOLIC (special operations for low intensity conflicts) was to manage it. He described the four branches of the foxhole (nickname of the Army Operations Center in the basement of the Pentagon). He discuses Site R, the secret location in southern Pennsylvania, where VIPs were to be evacuated to in the event of and emergency. DOMS short-circuited the Joint Staff when the began to receive tasking and other groups were not as responsive. He describes the struggle between the JS, and SOLIC and DOMS and that it was eventually given asking authority with memos from Assistant Secretay Wolfwithz and Army Secretary White supporting this. This office became the National Emergency Command Center Liaison, Liaison to FEMA, EPIOS and NEPIOS. He also gives stories of some of the unusual taskings received.

Mrs. Kris Henn went to the Ft Myer Family Support Center on 9/11. She helped set up the Family Assistance Office there which led that effort till the DOD ACS FS took over 3-4 days later. Describes the phases of ASC Family Support.

Abstract

Ms Kris Henn is the MDW Family Support Manager. She provides technical assistance for army Community Services, children services and spousal abuse, financial planning, information services, volunteer services, and employment services for spouses. On 9/11 she volunteered to stay at Ft McNair. She said that security was so tight and services limited that she couldn’t get fed at the dining facility there. She was called to go to Ft Myer by Delores Johnson. They need two people to help support the DA family assistance center set up there. She operated the center for 3-4 days until the DOD took over. She talked to a lot of family next-of-kin and in reference to casualty assistance situations. She explains the three phases of ACS family support. Phase 1 was until 10/12. There was a level of assistance to families including hotel rooms, meals, flight in etc. Phase two was from 10/2 till 11/1. The phase was determined by Mr. Moliner at DOD. Phase three is ongoing with continued casualty assistance, letters to families etc.

MAJ Mary Kresge – Executive Officer of the MDW CID gave the administrative perspective of daily operations during crisis. Said added personnel deployed in support has been logistical nightmare.

Abstract

MAJ Mary Kresge is responsible for advising the commander, LTC Odie Butler of the MDW CID. Their command includes 2 deployable units and the garrison units. She lists the personnel in her office. On the attack she tells how she heard a loud noise thinking it was the dumpster behind her office window. Realizing it was something more substantial they gathered together the staff to MDW. They started up the EOC at the Community Center. The FBI took the lead there. Mr Nash established the liaison there. The Special Agents were put on twelve hour shifts. General Ryder and Col Fortune were involved with the AOC while she took over the day-to-day operations of the CID. The SA workload continued, but with the addition to the new mission of the crime scene at the Pentagon there was a manpower shortage to accomplish everything. Sister Battalions sent personnel in the form of augmentees to do the Pentagon work while the local CID agents did the local work load. In week three the were assisted by Reserve augmentees. She said, “Logistics was a total nightmare.” They needed clothing to make the SA stand out and be identified. They acquired Steel-toed boots from a local vendor free of charge. The also got black T-shirts and windbreakers with badge holders. Two agents were sent to Dover AFB, while four Forensic Service Officers (FSOs – Warrents), one from Bragg, Benning , Campbell and Belvoir were also sent there.

As a follow-up to their issues, there was a special leadership conference in December 2001 at Police Plaza, NYC that toured ground zero, shared infor with the NYC police, that lasted one week where they gained terrorism training . The gained networking info and liaisons have developed including FBI to local contacts. She gives a lead for a Homeland Defense officer…CPT Friday, DSN 222-5333 who was at the JOC.

LTC Odie L Butler III – Commander of the MDW CID tells how he was assigned to Pentagon DCSPER for 5 years and knew 99% of the casualties. MDW CID area of responsibility covers the Pentagon as well as the WTC. Good explanation of civilian-military relations on 9/11.

Abstract

LTC Odie Butler is the commander of the MDW CID, 3d Group. LTC Butler was preparing for the upcoming tribunal for the Taliban terrorist at the time of this interview. DPS just handed over the investigatio to Mr Nash at CID. On 9/11 after the initial briefings, he went to the scene at the Pentagon. He claims that he was the single pint of contact for the Army that day. He said that the Arlington Fire Dept. He was personally affected by the attack. He said that he personally knew 99% of those killed at the Pentagon. Because of the location of Ft Hamilton, he said that the WTC was in his jurisdiction and that MDW CID was responsible for the investigation there. He said that all the phone lines to Ft Hamilton ran under the WTC.

NEIT – 635: MAJ Todd Key, DAMO-SSP, 03/08/02 (Lapic), AA

MAJ Todd Key saw debris fly upward towards his office on impact 9/11. Tells of his office’s evacuation and his efforts to assist in rescue operations. Said his wife saw plane fly over Ft Myer. He was first to man the G-3 desk at AOC.

Abstract

MAJ Key was in 3C450 on 9/11. This office works on concepts that help shape the future of the Army land forces. They were working on the Millenium Challenge experiment for the summer of 2002. He lists the personnel and chain of command in the office. He went to General Wood’s office before the Pentagon attack. He was back at his office at the time of the attack. His wife was passing the pentagon at that same time and saw the plane fly over Myer to the Pentagon. At first he saw debris flying past his C corridor window. Soon large amounts fell, some hitting his window. The office evacuated. He stopped a foreign man in the corridor and turned him over to a DPS security person. He went to Ft Myer on foot to look for his wife. He saw a front loader heading back to the Pentagon and hitched a ride thru the Marine annex. Guard there at first refused to let them thru. Arrived at Pentagon.

CW3 Mark Nash, Special Agent for MDW CID, assisted the FBI in organizing the support needed in the aftermath of the attack on 9/11 on the Pentagon. He was also involved with the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing and lent his expertise to the situation.

Abstract: Special Agent Mark Nash of the MDW CID on Fort Myer was directly responsible for organizing the CID personnel in their efforts in the investigation with the Pentagon terrorist attack. He was stationed in Oklahoma at the time of the bombing there and knew how the other agencies operated and was able to make sure there was a smooth integration with them. He also had valuable insight on how to set up his organization to best utilize them in the effort for the greatest efficiency. He also had an influx of additional personnel that he had to support logistically. He had no problems with them since they where well aware of what was expected of them and highly professional.

After the Pentagon site was cleared and the augmentees went on there way he still has the daunting task of organizing all of the information that was collected in the investigation and filling out the report. Since the investigation is ongoing he was not at liberty to discuss it.

LTC Clarence Hilton of the DAMO-SSW is the G-3 planner. He gave a good concise interview on how the war planners were put to use by the AOC after the Pentagon was struck by terrorists. He also gave a good dissertation on the escape and accountability problems he faced in the aftermath of the attack at the Pentagon.

Abstract: LTC Clarence Hilton is a Military Intelligence officer who worked in the G-3 Plans office DAMO-SSW. His office was preparing for a big meeting of the MACOMs on the morning of 9/11 when a huge explosion ripped through the Pentagon. He immediately locked all of the safes and decided to evacuate when it was clear that a fire was raging nearby. He described his account of the evacuation and how he went to a rendezvous that had been predetermined. Since his office was divided by the impact he had difficulty with accountability in the ensuing confusion.

CW4 Edward Brotonel, Special Agent, MDW CID, was tasked with maintaining the CID log. He was not directly involved with the efforts at the Pentagon and was actually out of the area when the attacks occurred. Since an investigation is still ongoing, we talked little of the attack and concentrated on the CID augmentees that were assigned to his office.

Abstract: CW4 Edward Brotonel is a special agent with the FMMC (Fort Myer Military Community). He was not in the area when the attacks occurred and had to rush back with sirens when the Pentagon was struck. His main focus during this time was to maintain the CID log as the reports were coming into his office. Due to an open investigation details were not elaborated upon. He mainly focused this interview on the many augmentees that were assigned to his office and the support that they needed.

Mrs. Yolanda Miller – Librarian. New library facility was destroyed in attack. New location in Crystal City does not provide the room to have a functioning library. Attack essentially took away the library personnel’s mission.

Mrs. Yolanda Miller, Librarian for the Pentagon Library, provides some background information and talks about the mission of the library. They were getting ready to move into their new facility and the DCSLOG was scheduled to move into their old space. The new library facility was destroyed in attack. Since the DCSLOG was already scheduled to move into the old space, the library was moved to a location in Crystal City. She provided information on the events on 9/11. Additional information also given on their evacuation and the situation outside. Discussion of the recovery of library assets and the use of BMF contract technical services (disaster recovery group from Houston TX) to remove mold, smoke and water damage from books. Related how the new space is not adequate for the library to function as it once did and the frustration of the library employees because of that. Attack essentially took away the library personnel’s mission. Very heartfelt and articulate account.

Assigned as a chef for the SecArmy, SSG Braman was in 3C659 when the plane struck. He departed the building via the Mall exit and immediately began assisting wounded people. He made several trips into the building to rescue people (e.g., NEIT-003). He provides some graphic commentary on the state of victims. Braman continued to be intimately involved in the rescue and recovery process for the next several days, particularly with removing remains of the deceased. Was an Olympic torchbearer in December.

Abstract

SSG Chris Braman is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. A chef for the Sec Army, SSG Braman was in 3C659. When flight 77 hit, he evacuated the building with the desire to help. He assisted people out, then rescued people trapped in the building with the help of an on-looker…a medical student passing by. He claims to have pulled a fireman out of his truck, pulled 3-4 people out thru a hole in the Pentagon wall, rescued a woman on fire in the impact area, helped bag bodies, to have given the plan for the refrigerated trucks for the remains, rescued the Marine Flag, worked in FBI supply, become a part of the FBI remains team, and other activities too numerous to mention. He appeared on many talk shows afterwards, was chosen to carry the Olympic torch and received Army honors.

COL Joseph M. Tedesco – His office was unaware of developing events. The plane exited right below his office, but personal injury was minimized because personnel at a meeting away from the windows. Was assigned to mortuary affairs because of his logistics background.

Abstract

COL Joseph M. Tedesco is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Chief of the Focused Logistic Division, G-8, Army Staff – Pentagon. Their office was located in the Pentagon. They were having a meeting at the time at a conference room away from the windows. When Flight 77 hit all in the office were away from the windows which exploded in shards of glass. The old steel blinds kept most of the glass from injuring the personnel there. He describes the shock waves through the room. He tells about the evacuation of the office and the scene in the center court yard of the pentagon and the plane debris there. He got involved in remains recovery with the TOG soldiers and helped set up the morgue. He worked out an agreement with the FBI on a dignified way of handling the remains and honors. He tells of those injured in the office, who were the heros honored, the strategy shift of their office afterwards and how their office was set up in the Taylor building soon afterwards

Ms. Janice Jackson and Mrs. Shay Vannarath – These computer “help desk” technicians were in an office directly affected by impact. Mrs. Vannarath escaped thru the Army QDR office. She sustained burns to her hands and other unspecified injuries. Ms. Jackson’s hair was set on fire and she received 2nd and 3d degree burns to her hands and face. She escaped with help thru the point of impact. Both are adversely affected by the loss of fellow employees.

Abstract: Janice Jackson and Shay Vannarath are two office mates from IMCEN. When flight 77 hit they had no idea f the WTC attack. On impact, falling debris separated the room into at least two parts. Shay was pinned under a desk from the force of the impact that protected her from more injury. Janice was in an area that had fires. A fellow employee, Raquel Kelly came up to her and told her hair was on fire. They saw light coming from the E ring and worked their way toward it. Shay was isolated in the darkness. She was able to work her way towards another office that had found an escape route and was helped by LTD Dudney from the Army QDR office. Janice was composed in spite of her injuries, but as she exited the destruction she released her emotions and broke down. Her friend Raquel Kelly tried to boost her moral as she was taken to Triage. The Army QDR personnel helped shay to safety. Janice was taken to an area hospital, but Shay went home. Only then did she realize that she needed care and went to a local facility. Janice gives a good account of her health care and tells how she was visited by General Shinseki. Shay talks about the lack of assistance once she was hospitalized and some difficulties with compensation she had afterwards. She was expected to return to work soon afterwards.

Mr. Walt Mikols – As Director of Disaster Preparedness, he went to camp unity on the second day. Discusses various aspects of Red Cross process. Names organizations they worked with.

Abstract

Walt Mikols is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the National Director of Disaster Preparedness for the American Red Cross located at the Jefferson Park facility. He is a retired Army colonel. He gives a lot of detail about his position. He talks about how they try to get local governments to use the Red Cross for training. They work with CDC (Center for Disease Control) and FEMA, Home Land Security, Department of Justice, DOD, JTF for Civil Support and more. He talks about the Clara Barton Disaster Training Center. He also discuses the condition of the American Red Cross after adverse national publicity about holding back funds for future disasters. On 9/11 he let the local Arlington chapter take the lead for the initial response. It is the policy of the ARC for local chapters to work a disaster until a point in time or when it becomes apparent that it’s too big for them. Mr Mikols went to the Pentagon and assessed that they needed to take over the Red Cross mission there. He acted as a disaster coordinator there in the interim. He lists some of the organizations that were present at Camp Unity an their contribution to the effort.

Mr. Willie A. Clark was responsible for orienting and training spontaneous volunteers – people who wanted to help – at Camp Unity

Abstract

Mr. Willie Clark is a Functional Lead for Training at the Disaster Operations center for the American Red Cross. He was responsible for training or coordinating training for the “spontaneous” volunteers that showed up at the Pentagon and wanted to help. Those who were willing were sent to the Jefferson Park, VA, facility for a quick train-up of how the Red Cross does a certain function, whether mass feeding or an emergency medical service. If the volunteer was unwilling to train-up, then they were refused entry in the rescue effort.

Mr. Joseph Reninger explains staffing of volunteers at the Emergency Disaster Center at the national HQ at the Red Cross.

Abstract

Mr. Joseph Reninger is the Director of the Disaster Operations Center – Emergency Staffing Center. He explains how a disaster is classified and how it is staffed. He is in an secure basement area where a staff of workers plotted ongoing national disasters and the staffing there. It is their responsibility to ensure that the staffing is done. He explains the process and about each ongoing effort at the time of the interview.

Mrs. Susan Aarhus – Chief Operating Officer of the Arlington Chapter of the Red Cross. Her chapter was the first to respond at Camp Unity. Discuses various issues of working with the Arlington EOC.

Abstract

Mrs. Susan Aarthus is the Chief Operations Officer for the Arlington American Red Cross Chapter. This chapter was the First Red Cross chapter to respond and she says that the Salvation Army was there before them. She describes the gearing-up for the operations. Their Disaster Action Team representative on the site was Louise Burn. She worked with DC Chapter representative Charles Blake and Jim Reisweber. She discusses the activities the accomplished and the hand-off to the national organization.

Mr. Keith Robertroy – An employee of the Nation HQ of the Red Cross and a volunteer of the Arlington Chapter. He manned the RC seat at the Arlington EOC, then was an informal leader for the RC at camp unity.

Abstract

Keith Robertroy is an employee of the National Red Cross and a volunteer for the Arlington Chapter. He works days at the national organization as a Senior Project Control manager and does volunteer work at night at the chapter as a Training Coordinator. On 9/11 he left work to go to the chapter to volunteer his help. He was sent to the Arlington EOC ans had a seat as a advisor for the Red Cross. He said that they are misunderstood as to their capabilities and what they have to offer the community for emergency operations. He said that a FEMA representative sat in on the EOC since the Pentagon falls under the authority of Arlington County. He lists the organizations that supplied food to the workers at the EOC and at the staging area near the Crystal City Station. Mentioned is Dr Phil Terry, a volunteer from the Montgomery Chapter.

After his duty at the EOC, he then went to ground zero to work at camp unity. He assisted in many ways doing what he could to fulfill the mission of the Red Cross.

Mr. Bryan A WolfeCity of Fairfax Police Officer. Fairfax traffic patrol officers volunteered to relieve Arlington Police at the Pentagon site. Some good general information, but not much direct linkage to attack.

Mr. Bryan A Wolfe, City of Fairfax Police Officer, provides some background of himself and explains the “traffic hub” of Fairfax. A relatively small area (6 sq miles) with a population of 20K swells with daily commuter traffic of 300K. Discusses some of the impact on the traffic situation combined with many schools closing. Fairfax traffic patrol officers volunteered to relieve Arlington Police at the Pentagon site. Related how he never knew what the Red Cross did until the Pentagon attack. Talked about the effects of the attack on his family. Some good general information, but not much direct linkage to attack.

SGT Rory Castillo was one of the Fairfax traffic patrol officers who volunteered to relieve Arlington Police at the Pentagon site. Explained the threat assessment at the “tank farm” and the additional security there.

Abstract: SGT Rory Castillo relates the unique situation with Fairfax being such a major traffic hub. Discussed how many of the officers were undergoing SWAT training near Lorton and first noticed that planes were not taking off, although close to Dullas Airport. After learning of the attack, they began an immediate treat assessment of the surrounding areas and determined that the “tank farm” (underground petro-chemical storage facility) could possible be a target. Many calls from a worried public were received. The second week after the attack traffic patrol officers volunteered to relieve Arlington Police at the Pentagon site. He was used as part of the escort team to take survivors to viewing area and characterized it as “difficult”. Biggest lessons learned was to have a better flow of information and that we would have not been then nor are prepared now for a chemical agent attack.

Mr. Steve Fisher - Para Medic/EMT Arlington FD. Provided ambulance support at the Pentagon site. Evacuated patients to the local hospitals. Followed up on his “patients”. All of them “made it”.

Mr. Steve Fisher - Para Medic/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Arlington Fire Department is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Gives some information on his background. Discusses the day’s events and how he learned of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attack. He arrived at the Pentagon to provided ambulance support and evacuated patients to the local hospitals. Gives a good description of the Pentagon site and the challenges with the traffic around the Pentagon. Discusses some of the injuries he dealt with. He followed up on his “patients” and proudly stated that all of the patients he treated “made it”.

LT Hobert Peacher - Fairfax City Police. Works with the community relations program for the department. Volunteered to do traffic control directly in front of where Pentagon was hit.

LT Hobert Peacher – Lieutenant in Charge of Community Relations for the Fairfax City Police is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee gives some background in his 22½ years of service with the Police Department. Relates his role as a member of the Council of Government (COG) and as head of the community relations program for the department. His immediate response to the attack was to send uniformed officers to the schools. Related that they received many calls from concerned citizens reporting suspicious persons or activities. Discussed the vulnerability of the local tank farm to possible terrorist threat and discussed the lack of any mechanism to identify drivers. Volunteered to do traffic control in support of Arlington Police and was assigned to duty directly in front of the impact area of the Pentagon.

Keywords:

Council of Government

Community Relations

NEIT – 653: LTC Patrick Tennis, DAMO-SSW, 03/11/02 (Majors) T/R, AA

LTC Patrick Tennis - Army G3 DCSOPS. Jobs deal with Homeland Security. Office had to be evacuated. Helped other personnel escape and helped to organize victim evacuations. Very involved on the site.

LTC Patrick Tennis - Army G3 DCSOPS is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Provided some background information on his career including previous medical training. Jobs deal with Homeland Security. The cockpit of the American Airlines flight was almost directly beneath their office. Approximately 24 people worked with him and had to be evacuated. Discussed accountability of personnel and the rally point outside. Helped other personnel escape and helped to organize victim evacuations as well as providing some medical care on site. Very involved on the site. Provides information about the Joint Crisis Action Team (JCAT) and concerning them being on 24 hour operations. Talked about the personal and professional challenges of knowing the possibility of terrorist activity and being unable to impart that sense of urgency to others. Interesting to note that he and members of his section were in the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) in contrast to most of the others at the Pentagon who wore Class B Uniforms. When asked why, he stated because “we are at war”.

NEIT – 654: LTC Sylvia Moran, DAMO-SSW, 03/15/02 (Majors), AA

LTC Sylvia Moran, Army G-3 War Plans Div. She was at window facing B ring. Heard explosion; felt the impact and saw flames inside the ring. Very good account of her office’s escape on 9/11.

LTC Sylvia Moran - Army G-3 Warplans Div is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History Detachment, concerning the 11 September 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provided background information on herself including her experience as a Foreign Area Officer in Nairobi only weeks after the bombing there. Related her surprise at the security prior to 9/11 at the Pentagon compared to her overseas assignments. Her office was located C Level, 3rd Floor, and 4th Corridor where the plane essentially ended up under the floor below them. She was at window facing B ring when she heard the explosion. She related how she felt the impact and saw flames between the B ring. Discussed how smoke was pouring out the air vents and how she remembers the fire alarms going off. Information on how she secured the classified documents and began to evacuate with her co-workers. There was a fire plume in the route to their normal exit so they tried to exit through the 4th corridor. Explains the problems with the firewalls in the newly renovated part of the building closing. Ended up following some of the construction workers out of the building. Discussing the establishment of a rally point and of getting accountability of office personnel. Describes the scene outside the building. Felt the impact and saw flames inside the ring. Very good, detailed account of her office’s escape on 9/11.

Abstract: General McWilliams was attending a meeting on installation management in Crystal City when the plane hit the Pentagon. She describes in details the responses of the attendees and herself to the attack that day and her discussions with ODCSPER personnel over the following days. Very strong on the emotional responses of individuals in the first few days after the attack.

Mr. Yates received 2d and 3d degree burns over thirty-five percent of his body describes being engulfed by a fireball and being blown to the floor several feet from where he had been standing. He recounts his escape from the dark, smoke-filled main ODCSPER office (approx. 2E477), shouting for people to follow him, and then collapsing in the 4th Corridor. He also discusses his medical evacuation to Arlington Hospital.

Abstract: Mr. Yates received 2d and 3d degree burns over thirty-five percent of his body describes being engulfed by a fireball and being blown to the floor several feet from where he had been standing. He recounts his escape from the dark, smoke-filled main ODCSPER office (2E477), shouting for people to follow him, and then collapsing in the 4th Corridor. He also discusses his medical evacuation to Arlington Hospital. He clearly remembers hearing people calling out, responding to them, and beginning to crawl to the DMPM door, which someone shouted was open. He crawled through the office bay from near the E ring to the door on the C ring and exited it into the fourth corridor near the cafeteria. A pair of Navy officers found him in the corridor and took him to the triage point in the courtyard. He was given and IV and morphine and taken by ambulance to a triage center at Henderson Hall Marine Barracks and then on to Arlington Hospital. His next memory is when his wife woke him up on 13 September and asked him if he’d like to meet President Bush. He was at the Washington Burn Center. He states that the Army did not provide any casualty assistance officers for the families of the injured to help them with their needs and to answer questions whereas the Navy assigned an officer to assist the families of their injured at the Washington Burn Center. The only help his wife received was from ODCSPER personnel who helped her on their own initiative.

NEIT – 657: SGM Henry Sgrecci, US Army Band, 03/18/02 (SFC Lapic), AA

Abstract

SGM Henry Sgrecci is a Premier Bugler and the NCOIC of the Army Brass Band located at Ft Myer, VA. He is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. His duties includes participating in funerals for officers. He was in section 65 of Arlington National Cemetery at the time of the attack on 9/11. He tells about what happened to him then. As NCOIC of the band, he discusses the decision to place a moratorium on concerts and funeral processions. He was involved in badging at camp unity.

Keywords

Bugler, Army Brass Band, funerals

NEIT – 658: SFC Michael Yoder, US Army Band, 03/18/02 (SFC Lapic), AA

Abstract

Mike Yoder is a Primary Trumpet Player for the Ceremonial Band and with the Herald Trumpes and is the unit historian for the Army Band at Ft Myer. He is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He gave photos of the groups that recently performed at the Pentagon on 19 September. He discussed the performance conducted by the band at the meal tent at Camp Unity; the Congressional Prayer Service, The September 14th National Prayer Service and at the ASC at the Sheraton. He said that band member Maria De La Cerda their drum major saw the plane hit. The band was also involved inrecovering fragments of the plane. In the aftermath of the attack he said that there were 13 full-honor funerals, 3 for SGMs and 3 standard funerals performed.

NEIT – 659: SFC Harry Watters, US Army Band, 03/18/02 (SFC Lapic), AA

SFC Harry Watters is a member of the Jazz Trombonist for the Army Band, Ft Myer,VA. He is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He also does music clinics for the community. He describes the general scene at Camp Unity. He said that the Fife and Drum Corp did body remains recovery, not them. He discusses the personal affect it had on him. He said the plane flew over his neighborhood.

Abstract: COL (CH) Horton provided valuable information on the attack and the response of those nearby, especially her work as a Chaplain giving aid to those suffering from injuries sustained from the attack. She also spoke of helping others by reciting prayers to help comfort them. She was the first Chaplain on the scene, and the “only” one with a prayer book/scriptures pamphlet and she shared it with the other Chaplains. This was a very emotional interview that had to be stopped in the process so the interviewee could regain composure before continuing. She also spoke of another Chaplain doing a great thing as he motivated the soldiers tasked with the search and rescue and the recovery of remains. She said Father Rick Spencer was losing his volunteers when he stepped forward and said, “you have the honor of going in there and finding the precious loved ones of your fallen comrades, and bringing them out of the darkness into the light so they can be honored in the honor in which the military and the government honors their fallen.” This was very emotional yet motivational the way he got them to perform! Interview was conducted 12 March 2002.

Provided valuable information on the rescue efforts and her volunteer search team animal used at the attack scene.

Abstract: Ms. Iannelli provided valuable information on the rescue efforts and her volunteer search team animal used at the attack scene. She talked about the dangers of the mission to her animal since there were no masks for the animals even though rescuers had them, which made it very dangerous for her dog and others to conduct searches, which also made them vulnerable to the dust and debris (asbestos, chemicals, etc…). The dogs also require water more in fact than the human element since their nostrils need to stay moist in order to search for survivors/bodies. She also spoke about all the noisy, heavy equipment working in the are such as cranes and bobcats moving a lot of steel and various metal pieces around while her dog was trying to search for remains. She also talked about how the search dogs had to go through the decontamination process just like the humans, something her dog had never done before, which the animals didn’t like since their feet and coat had to be scrubbed real good plus they had to adjust to being around a lot of different people. Interview was conducted 13 March 2002.

Abstract: CPT Klugh provided information on the rescue efforts of the volunteer search team animals used to search for survivors/bodies as well as their mission of relieving the Arlington County Police at the scene. He also talked about communication problems encountered between the military/civilian counterparts, and stressed the importance of having an exercise often between military and civilian counterparts so they would work better in a “real-world” crisis situation. Interview was conducted 13 March 2002.

Officer Jeffrey W. Morrison is the Technical Service Officer with the Fairfax City Police Department. He is responsible for maintaining the computers, radios and such electronic devices as well as making sure the department is up to speed with the latest technology.

Abstract: Officer Jeffrey W. Morrison was not involved with any of the events that occurred on 9/11. He wanted to be more active in the recovery or the investigation but his duties did not allow for that to happen. At the time of the interview he has taken no additional training as a result of the terrorist attacks. He has noticed in influx of cash to help get the department communications and computer systems modernized.

Abstract: SGT Tucker provided information on the Fairfax Police Department relieving the Arlington County Police at the scene. He also talked about the mission of controlling traffic around the area and escorts of dignitaries to the attack scene and area of operations. Interview was conducted 13 March 2002.

Investigator Timmy Jed Haynes is a juvenile crimes investigator for the Fairfax City Police. He was not involved with the events of 9/11 but did relieve some of the police officers that had been working at the Pentagon for several weeks on gate guard.

Abstract: Officer Timmy Jed Haynes usually works as a juvenile crimes investigator with the Fairfax City Police Department. On 9/11 he heard about the terrorist attacks but had to continue with his duties at the station even though he volunteered to go to the pentagon to help in the efforts. Three weeks later he volunteered to work one Saturday morning to relieve some of the other officers that were there. He checked ID cards and searched vehicles for several hours and was released.

Holly Gifford and Delores Johnson are the directors of ACS (Army Community Support) for Mobilized Reservist and there active duty counterparts. They set the policy for Army wide Community Support and Family Support Programs. On 9/11 they were tasked by GEN Shenseiki to set up a Family Victim Support Center. It was later enveloped by the DOD PFAC (Pentagon Family Assistance Center).

Abstract: Delores Johnson, with the help of Holly Gifford, began to set up an Army Family Assistance Center on 9/11. They had a good idea on exactly what was supposed to happen and how to do it. The were tasked for this by HQDA directly to make sure that the victims families from the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon would be taken care of. After several days it was engulfed by the Pentagon Family Assistant Center that became the lead organization for dealing with all issues regarding the survivors of those killed as well as those who were injured.

This interview and the sub sequential documents that were collected relating to this incident are close to being the definitive narrative of the ACS. They gave a very concise interview, at times emotional, of the trials and successes of the operation. They discussed at length funding, volunteers, housing for the families of the deceased, logged phone calls, media relations, remains identification, etc.

They also discussed the mobilization of reservist and the network of family support that they were also given. In the end they discussed in length and detail the after action reports and policy changes that had occurred as a result of the attack.

Holly Gifford and Delores Johnson are the directors of ACS (Army Community Support) for Mobilized Reservist and there active duty counterparts. They set the policy for Army wide Community Support and Family Support Programs. On 9/11 they were tasked by GEN Shenseiki to set up a Family Victim Support Center. It was later enveloped by the DOD PFAC (Pentagon Family Assistance Center).

Abstract: Delores Johnson, with the help of Holly Gifford, began to set up an Army Family Assistance Center on 9/11. They had a good idea on exactly what was supposed to happen and how to do it. The were tasked for this by HQDA directly to make sure that the victims families from the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon would be taken care of. After several days it was engulfed by the Pentagon Family Assistant Center that became the lead organization for dealing with all issues regarding the survivors of those killed as well as those who were injured.

This interview and the sub sequential documents that were collected relating to this incident are close to being the definitive narrative of the ACS. They gave a very concise interview, at times emotional, of the trials and successes of the operation. They discussed at length funding, volunteers, housing for the families of the deceased, logged phone calls, media relations, remains identification, etc.

They also discussed the mobilization of reservist and the network of family support that they were also given. In the end they discussed in length and detail the after action reports and policy changes that had occurred as a result of the attack.

MAJ Gary F. Sargent is the DSCOPS (Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations) Warplanner DA G-3. He is the LNO between the Army and the Unified Command in Europe. He was in the Pentagon the day of the attack and escaped without injury. Due to the sensitive nature of his work, details were not elaborated upon.

Abstract: MAJ Gary F Sargent is the DCSOPS Warplanner in the DA G-3. His primary responsibility is to interface between the US Army and the countries involved in the Unified Command of Europe regarding issues that the US Army has interest in.

On 9/11 he was in his office when he started to receive E-mail about the attacks and decided to investigate. He immediately believed that the attack on the first tower was an act of terrorism and not an accident as several others believed. He was unfortunately proved correct when the second aircraft struck the south tower. He was not surprised by the hit the Pentagon took by the terrorist and was impressed by the patients and logistics it took to pull it off. Not surprisingly, he did a dissertation while finishing out his degree several years prior on just such a scenario and how vulnerable America really is.

SFC Daniel works at Ft. Myer as a Detachment Sergeant, Washington Resident Agency, 3rd MP Group, Criminal Investigation Division. SFC Daniels duties include casework and the training of personnel and the care of soldiers in his unit. His Agency provides criminal investigative support for everything inside the beltway in D.C. SFC Daniel’s casework generally includes felonies committed by soldiers and contractors.

On September 11th, directly after finding out about the attack, SFC Daniel went immediately to the site at the Pentagon to offer assistance. He stated that there was debris everywhere and before the roof caved in there was just a charred hole in the side of the building. When SFC Daniel arrived on scene he linked up with the FBI and offered assistance. He also pulled four on-site military photographers to take the crime scene photos. Daniel stated that before all planes were grounded, everyone to include rescue personnel, had to evacuate the building area every time a plane flew over. SFC Daniel worked until seven in the morning of the 12th coordinating duty schedules with Ft. Belvoir CID and helped organize the truckloads of FBI Response equipment.

SFC Paul Murtha is the Chief musical arranger for the US Army Band, Pershings Own. He monitored the events on 9/11 with everyone else but was not directly involved with the recovery efforts. He did write the Music for the Heraldic Horn section of the band for the 9/11 tribute that is being adopted widely as the 9/11 Heraldic Tribute.

Abstract: SFC Paul Murtha is the Chief musical arranger for the US Army Band, Pershings Own. He monitored the events on 9/11 with everyone else but was not directly involved with the recovery efforts. He did write the Music for the Heraldic Horn section of the band for the 9/11 tribute that is being adopted widely as the 9/11 Heraldic Tribute.

SFC Markus P. Furness is the supply sergeant for the US Army Band, Pershing’s Own. He was in his office when the terrorist began to strike the buildings and would wonder out to a community television to check out what was going on. When he heard about the Pentagon he helped lock down the building they worked in.

Abstract: SFC Markus P. Furness is the supply sergeant for the US Army Band, Pershing’s Own. He was in his office when the terrorist began to strike the buildings and would wonder out to a community television to check out what was going on. When he heard about the Pentagon he helped lock down the building they worked in. He finished out the day and went home. There was a big push for the band to have all of their uniforms updated including BDUs, which were not required previously. After the attack he made sure that everyone was squared away so they could work at the Pentagon. Outside of some uniform issues, he was otherwise not involved with the Pentagon recovery efforts.

SGM Dennis Edelbrock is the Group Leader for the Army Brass Section in The US Army Band, Pershing’s Own. He was not directly effected by the attacks that day but did volunteer for the Secret Services ID card section at the Pentagon.

Abstract: SGM Dennis Edelbrock is the Group Leader for the Army Brass Section in The US Army Band, Pershing’s Own. He was not directly effected by the attacks that day but did volunteer for the Secret Services ID card section at the Pentagon. At the ID card section he took photographs of the people needing cards and occasionally relieved the other soldiers typing the data into the computer. It was very hectic the first few hours, but as night approached it slacked off rapidly.

SGT Carl Hollingsworth is the supply sergeant for the US Army Band, Pershing’s Own. He was caught in traffic the day of the attack and could not get on base due to implemented Force Protection issues. When he found out what was going on and he went home.

Abstract: SGT Carl Hollingsworth is the supply sergeant for the US Army Band,

Pershing’s Own. He was caught in traffic the day of the attack and could not get on base due to implemented Force Protection issues. When he found out what was going on and he went home. The next day he returned to work. Except for the searches at the gate he was not affected by the attack and did not help in the recovery efforts.

Abstract: Ms. McGinn, the Principal Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for force Management Policy, provided valuable information about the family support and crisis response set up for the families. She spoke about the need to address readiness for such disasters, and how we should prepare to deal more often with civilian casualties since there may now be a need. She used the various U.S. Embassy bombings as a reason that we should have already been prepared for such an attack. She had gone into a staff meeting when during the meeting they all heard/felt the plane crash into the building. She spoke about Gen. Van Alstyne being with them in the meeting and making the comment, “that was an explosion ladies and gentlemen.” He then suggested everyone evacuate the building. She goes on to discuss the appearance outside the Pentagon as everyone tried to move away from the building. Interview was conducted 18 March 2002.

Mr. Joseph R. Poisso works for Services Division as a Grounds Maintenance Manager. He helped set up quarters for civilians and soldiers in the Fitness facilities.

Abstract: Mr. Joseph R. Poisso works for Services Division at Ft. Belvoir [verify] as a Ground Maintenance Manager. His job includes overseeing purchases for the military and maintenance of the Local Access Network. Mr. Poisso said that his section had undergone emergency training just prior to 9-11 and he felt prepared for the emergency. Mr. Poisso helped in receiving pallets of supplies for the rescue workers as well as food and water. Mr. Poisso also helped in the setting up of the fitness facilities for housing of soldiers and relief workers as well as installing 80 phone lines in the facilities so soldiers had Internet access and phone lines to keep in touch with loved ones.

Provided valuable information on the attack on the Pentagon with vivid details.

Abstract: LTC Snyder and LTC Cardon provided valuable information on the attack on the Pentagon with vivid details and helping a burn victim following the attack. They spoke about morphine being administered to the victim. He also talked about the lack of flashlights in the area, keeping him from being able to search for survivors. They also spoke about the way they had to climb over walls and filing cabinets in order to get to the D-ring fifth corridor and escape the flames and destruction. They both heard voices from their co-workers and kept moving towards them in order to assist their way out as well. There was mention of how the plane was still on fire where it had hit the building and that the area had become very dark since nobody had flashlights and the smoke was darkening the area even more. There was talk about viewing a badly burned man who appeared dead until he opened his eyes and spoke as he was carried away to medical help. They also spoke of setting up a “chain gang” by transporting water in 10-gallon buckets from the building and everybody was pitching in just to do something to help. LTC Snyder didn’t realize he had been burned until reacting to the sunshine and heat from it outside the building, and LTC Cardon then pointed out that the skin was hanging down off his face and arms and got him to seek medical assistance after helping him to a temporary aid station or triage area. This was a very important interview. Interview was conducted 21 March 2002.

Provided valuable information on the Fairfax Fire Department response to the attack on the Pentagon.

Abstract: Chief Owens provided valuable information on the Fairfax Fire Department response to the attack on the Pentagon. He spoke of the many aspects of the emergency response to the Pentagon and the units involved in the area including the foam unit and ladder unit fire trucks as well as the various types of rescue vehicles from all the surrounding areas. He also talked about how they trained together with other agencies to include the FBI, ATF, DPS and so on. He talked about many different areas of the response far too many to list, but one key aspect to a possible threat was the Petroleum Tank Farm down by Ft. Belvoir, which was deemed a major target by the intel given to them by the CIA. He spoke of the command and control being implemented according to the guidelines set forth by the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and how they implemented it for their particular areas of operation. This is a great interview from a logistical view. Interview was conducted 20 March 2002.

Three officers of the Falls Church Sheriff’s Office are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They wanted to interview together. Deputy R M Butterfield is part time and Deputy Mike Wood is full time. Sgt Tom Crider is a full time motorcycle policeman. They first reviewed their backgrounds, then they give account of what they did the morning of 9/11. Deputy Wood and the Sheriff responded to City Hall and worked in the command center. When Arlington requested assistance, Sgt Crider reported to the Arlington Co Command Center and worked with the Arlington County Sheriff’s office. He discusses the confusion over the various ID cards that people presented to gain entry to the Pentagon area. Also discussed was the civilian security for the Pentagon area.

Three officers of the Falls Church Sheriff’s Office are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They wanted ot interview together. Deputy R M Butterfield is part time and Deputy Mike Wood is full time. Sgt Tom Crider is a full time motorcycle policeman. They first reviewed their backgrounds, then they give account of what they did the morning of 9/11. Deputy Wood and the Sheriff responded to City Hall and worked in the command center. When Arlington requested assistance, Sgt Crider reported to the Arlington Co Command Center and worked with the Arlington County Sheriff’s office. He discusses the confusion over the various ID cards that people presented to gain entry to the Pentagon area. Also discussed was the civilian security for the Pentagon area.

Three officers of the Falls Church Sheriff’s Office are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They wanted ot interview together. Deputy R M Butterfield is part time and Deputy Mike Wood is full time. Sgt Tom Crider is a full time motorcycle policeman. They first reviewed their backgrounds, then they give account of what they did the morning of 9/11. Deputy Wood and the Sheriff responded to City Hall and worked in the command center. When Arlington requested assistance, Sgt Crider reported to the Arlington Co Command Center and worked with the Arlington County Sheriff’s office. He discusses the confusion over the various ID cards that people presented to gain entry to the Pentagon area. Also discussed was the civilian security for the Pentagon area.

Three officers from the Falls Church Sheriff’s office are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They wanted to interview together. They are 1SG William Chapman, Deputy Motor(cycle)man Alex Luna and Sheriff Steve Bittle. 1SG Chapman goes over the administrative problems they encountered such as budgets, lost equipment and reassignment of personnel. Deputy Luna, as a motorman, relates all the motorcycle duties and events he encountered such as escorting the President, entry control and ID checks. He also tells about attending the Nationa Day of Morning at the Washington National Cathedral. Sheriff Bittle let his 1SG handle everything and he acted as the figure head fielding as much as he could to keep the pressure away from the force. He tells how one of the terrorists was a cab drive in Falls Church and another rented a truck from a rental agency there.

Three officers from the Falls Church Sheriff’s office are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They wanted to interview together. They are 1SG William Chapman, Deputy Motor(cycle)man Alex Luna and Sheriff Steve Bittle. 1SG Chapman goes over the administrative problems they encountered such as budgets, lost equipment and reassignment of personnel. Deputy Luna, as a motorman, relates all the motorcycle duties and events he encountered such as escorting the President, entry control and ID checks. He also tells about attending the Nationa Day of Morning at the Washington National Cathedral. Sheriff Bittle let his 1SG handle everything and he acted as the figure head fielding as much as he could to keep the pressure away from the force. He tells how one of the terrorists was a cab drive in Falls Church and another rented a truck from a rental agency there.

Three officers from the Falls Church Sheriff’s office are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They wanted to interview together. They are 1SG William Chapman, Deputy Motor(cycle)man Alex Luna and Sheriff Steve Bittle. 1SG Chapman goes over the administrative problems they encountered such as budgets, lost equipment and reassignment of personnel. Deputy Luna, as a motorman, relates all the motorcycle duties and events he encountered such as escorting the President, entry control and ID checks. He also tells about attending the Nationa Day of Morning at the Washington National Cathedral. Sheriff Bittle let his 1SG handle everything and he acted as the figure head fielding as much as he could to keep the pressure away from the force. He tells how one of the terrorists was a cab drive in Falls Church and another rented a truck from a rental agency there.

Robin Robinson is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She is a Program Analyst for the Educational Opportunity Directorate – Impact Aid Program. She works on issues for the military child, transitional education, and other educational issues for the military. On 9/11 she said that there was confusion on the evacuation. It was unclear whether to evacuate of not. The security office in the building was either inaccessible or unhelpful. They were told to evacuate, then they were told to take cover. She saw that military people were organizing into groups and taking charge of toase groups so she attached herself to them. Some people started to head for the Pentagon while others headed for DC and their homes. Meg Falks, Director of Family Policy, started the FAC for the DOD. She talks about working at the PFAC at the Sheraton in Crystal City and issues encountered there. Commander Renee Campo of the Navy is working on the AAR for the FAC. Major Ben Owens set up the wall of prayer there.

Aggie Byers is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She workes in the office of Military Community and Family Policy, Quality of Life Office for the OSD. It is a 4-person office located at 3B916. She discussed her broad background and some statistics about military families. She said that 67% of military families live off base. Because of that there are different issues for those families. Therefore the DOD is developing a new social compact for families.

After 9/11 she set up the call center at the Sheraton on 9/12. Several officers from the Marines and Navy helped her set it up. She discusses the set up of the DFAC and the database they had to build. . Air Force Interns staffed the call center at night.

She explains the greeting process of the families and the escort process. The Army Post Traumatic Stress Center from California helped. She discusses the many volunteers that offered their services including celebrities. Senator Jean Carnahan called and offered her services one night. She shared the loss of her husband (who ran against John Ashcroft) and died in a plane crash before the upcoming election, and her grieving process. She mentions celebrities and VIPs who volunteered on their own terms and were unwilling to accept working without entourages, and were declined. Brittainy Spears offered to come and sing and was turned down as inappropriate.

Patrick Mills is the Director of Protocol for the Sec Def and Sec Navy. He is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. In September there were congressional visits schedule. There was a honorary breakfst scheduled for 9/11 hosted by Sec Def Rumsfeld (guest list enclosed in packed). After attack, his staff called the National Military Command Center, the SecDef Command Center and the Cables Center(?). An alernative command center was set up at the Navy Annex. Lt Loretto manned the watch team at the Cables Center.

SFC Judd, senior enlisted advisor, and LTC Bucci escorted congressmen out. He gives details of the Presidential visit. His office coordinated the 10/11/01 one-month memorial at the Pentagon and is working on annual service. He suggested that AF CPT Dianne Brown could explain the memorial service. See NEIT 691.

Dianne Brown is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. She is an Air Force CPT who is the Deputy Director of Protocol for the Sec Def. She discusses the 10/11 Memorial Ceremony. She gives general feelings about the assignment and some details of how it came together.

She is working with and Ad Hoc committee on whether there will be a 10/11/2002 ceremony and the details.

Keywords

10/11-memorial ceremony

NEIT – 692: MSG Harold Yahn, PERSCOM, 04/10/02 (Rossow) T/R

Abstract: At Site R, MD, at the time of the attack on the Pentagon attending communications training. He describes the activation of Site R and arrival of senior Defense officials. He goes on to tell of his subsequent activities in the Personnel Contingency Cell in the Army Operations Center during the accountability of troops phase.

Steve Temmermand the Division Chief for Arlington Parks and Natural Resource Division. His job is to oversee the Park landscapers, Park Rangers, and the Nature Centers. Mr. Temmermand acquired $2 million in supplies for September 11th.

Abstract: Mr. Temmermand is the Division Chief for the Parks and Natural Resource Division for Arlington. He is responsible for 150 employees in six different sections. His areas of responsibility include Park Maintenance, Park Rangers, the Nature Centers, Landscapers, Plumbers, and architects. On September 11th Mr. Temmermand worked to open an EOC, convert recreation centers into emergency housing, and aquire 2 million dollars in fencing, emergency lighting, generators, fuel, port-a-potties, and meals from the local prison. This interview gives insight on logistics at Camp Unity and surrounding areas.

Robert Malone is currently the supervisor of the Refuse Department at Arlington County Parks Division. He helped arrange for county busses to pick up Arlington County Fire Department firemen and equipment.

Abstract: Robert Malone works at the Arlington County Parks building as the Refuse Department supervisor. At the time of September 11th he contacted Staples office supply store that donated approximately $800 in supplies to keep the offices running as well as supplies for the Mobile Command Centers at Camp Unity. Mr. Malone also helped set up transportation using the County busses and other vehicles to transport the Arlington County Fire Department fireman and equipment back and forth from the Pentagon at shift changes.

COL Mathias R Velasco interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the Deputy Director of the DCS for Plans and Readiness (now the DCS). His old office was located in the 3C4 corridor area. On the morning of 9/11 he went to a briefing at 0830 in the E ring near General Mahan’s office. He had just returned from that meeting when the plane struck. He instructed his office to evacuate to the courtyard. As a former ranger and airborne, he kept a disciplined evacuation.

In an AAR he says there were no fire hoses at the water points and only fire extinguishers. He said there were no firemen insight till the time of the report of the second plane.

Ms. Priscilla Pazzano is the Deputy Director of Resale Activities and Non-appropriated Funds Policy Office. She worked as a receptionist and escort at the Pentagon Family Assistance Center helping victim survivors after the 9/11 attacks.

Abstract: Ms. Pazzano worked extensively with the Pentagon Family Assistance Center (PFAC) after the 9/11 attacks. She started out as a receptionist and escort at the center until volunteers were trained to handle the concerns and needs of the victim families. After sufficient volunteers were trained she moved into a supervisory role which she held until the center was moved. Although she was very compassionate to the needs of the families involved she did become short tempered with some of the people who’s attitudes turned to a “give me more” and “we deserve more’ syndrome. At one point several people said that they deserved millions from the government. A view that was not held by most families. She did have good insight on the operations of the PFAC.

Mr. Bryce Peck was one of the network engineers that rebuilt the infrastructure of the communications systems damaged from the 9/11 Attacks. He worked for the Lockheed/Martin Corporation under the Office of the Deputy of Information Technology and Communications (ODIT&C).

Abstract: Mr. Bryce Peck was one of the engineers instrumental in the rebuilding of the communications infrastructure that was damage when an aircraft struck the Pentagon on 09 September 2002. While working under extreme conditions; such as fire, smoke, collapsing structures and in the dark; his team of engineers were able to save many of the servers and some of the hard drives that were vital to the smooth operation of inner Pentagon. Within 72 hours they had nearly 95% of the subscribers back on line. This included several that were moved to remote sights outside of the Pentagon.

This interview was along technical lines concentrating on the telecommunications network that makes up the inter net. He also discussed how his team became nicknamed the “Voodoo Engineers” by jerry rigging much of the wiring to get it to function as a legitimate network in the minimal amount of time possible.

The EOD unit only responds to specific items and not threats. Trained to work the VIP mission – clearance of an area. Work directly for the Secret Service. All soldiers have TS clearances. On the day of the attack had soldiers deployed to the attack site by boat. Later sent 4 soldiers to the WTC site. MG Jackson came to unit to talk to commander. First several days responded to numerous incidents in the MDW region.

Michael Hancock is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is a Park Ranger with Arlington County. He discusses their up-tempo pace with the attack on 9/11.

Ted Leopkey is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is a park ranger with Arlington County. He rode a bike to work that morning to avoid traffic. He was sent to Crystal City to station 5 staging area. On 9/12 he assisted FEMA by driving vans to run errands. On the 13th he was on stand-by assisting other agencies.

Abstract: Ms. Kehoe provided information on the Federal Employees response to the attack on the Pentagon. This interview didn’t provide very much information conducive to an abstract. Interview was conducted 11 April 2002.

Mr. Budd describes how his directorate kept the Pentagon’s computer network functioning while the building was burning on 11 and 12 September and the recovery effort afterward. (blurb ends) He covers in detail the affect of the fire, smoke and water on the servers and the network cabling. He explains how computer equipment was recovered from the damaged area, serviced, and installed at a new location. He discusses the Crisis Action Cell that was formed to coordinate all computer problems during the crisis. He closes with an overview of the Industry/Government Information Technology Working Group that was formed to do a complete review of the Pentagon information management structure and to recommend corrective actions based upon the lessons learned.

Fairfax County Police PFC Don R. Gotthardt is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is a member of the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad. He discusses the structure of the force. There are 7 substations with 32 motorcycle officers who work 2 shifts for duties from traffic, funerals, and security to assisting the military. He is used to assisting the Secret Service and the FBI. On 9/11he was on patrol listening to the FM radio to keep informed. He heard that they “need 16 guys to (go) to the Pentagon.” He stated since he’s a patriot he was upset. He was the lead cycle going to the Pentagon. He was at the Pentagon in 90 minutes. He describes the scene. He worked there 96 hours over the 2 week period he was there. He also did some traffic control at the Ft Belvoir. Gives good description of victim’s family leaving the bus to go to the viewing stand to see the crime scene.

Dennis O’Neill is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He works as the Supervisor of the Motor Section (motorcycle) for the Fairfax County Police Department. He describes the structure of the motor section. He was on the morning shift on 9/11. They were having roll call at 0930 when they were mobilized to Arlington. One officer, John Harris, was being sent to a traffic control point when he radioed that he wasn’t gong to make it. He encountered people running on I-395 trying to cross to get to the Pentagon to search for loved ones or to help. Another officer was sent to accomplish his original mission.

Officer Richard Carlton is a motorcycle patrolman for the Fairfax County Police Department. On September 11th he helped control the traffic situation on 495 and the 14th Street bridge.

Abstract: Richard Carlton is a Master Police officer for the Faifax County Police Department, Traffic division, operational support Bureau motor squad. The Motor Squads’ mission is traffic enforcement, VIP and Funeral escorts. On 9-11 Officer Carlton was dispatched to 395 between Washington Blvd. and the 14th street bridge. His main mission at this area was to keep control and safeguard the mass exodus of people walking away from the Pentagon area. Officer Carlton also conducted an escort of the remains to 12th Aviation Battalion as well as conducting numerous funeral escorts for the victims of 9-11.

Officer Bill Knost is a Master Police Officer for the Faifax Police Department. On Sept. 11th Officer Knost was in charge of the Mobile Command Vehicle that was utilized on site at the Pentagon.

Abstract: Officer Bill Knost is a Master Police Officer for the Faifax Police Department. He is in charge of the Traffic Division which entails traffic management, incident management, and litigation. On Sept. 11th Mr. Knost was at a display for National 911 day at the TRR building. On display there were various pieces of police equipment and emergency vehicles to include the “Mobile Command Vehicle.” The afternoon of 9-11 Officer Knost activated the “disaster operation room” or “ emergency communications room” at Faifax Police Department. At mid afternoon Officer Knost got a call from Arlington County for the use of the Mobile Command Vehicle which was immediately dispatched to be used on site as a communications center at the Pentagon.

CPL Eduardo Bruno was a survivor and “Hero of the Pentagon”. He worked in room 1E517 which was in the direct line of the aircraft that struck the Pentagon. He assisted his fellow workers that eventually led to their survival.

Abstract: CPL Eduardo Bruno was in his cubicle in room IE517 when an aircraft struck the Pentagon on September 9, 2001. The result attack left him dazed with several injuries. The worse being a knock to the head that left him dazed and bleeding for several minutes. When he regained his wits about himself, he realized he was buried in debris and had to forcible claw himself out of the pile. He then helped his fellow soldiers extricate themselves from the rubble and find an infant that one of the off duty soldiers had with her. Once he had everyone accounted for in the dark, smoldering, smoke filled office he began to lead them out of the wreckage and to safety collecting as many other people he could find. When he finally helped everyone out he went back to find and assist more people. Until finally an Officer forced him to seek Medical attention for his injuries. He was treated at a triage area not realizing how injured he was with the adrenalin that was pumping through his system. He is still being treated for smoke inhalation and back strain at the time of this interview several months later.

Steven Mueck is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Steven is an Instructor Pilot for the 121st Aviation of the DC AASF located at Davidson Army Airfield, Ft Belvoir, VA. He was able to quickly respond on 9/11 since he is full time there. He was the second military aircraft to arrive at the Pentagon to offer assistance. He describes the path of destruction as he flew to the Pentagon. He describes what he saw from the air of the impact of the aircraft hitting the ground before it struck the Pentagon. He says the left wing dipped and dug up the ground also knocking down 6 light poles. Two helicopters were there before his two units… they were the Fairfax police and a Medstar helicopter. See Pendergrass interview. When he flew over Arlington National Cemetery he saw that on one was on guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Abstract: Alphonso Pendergrass is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He is the commander of the 121st Air Ambulance Company, APSC, DC National Guard, Davidison Army Airfiled, Ft. Belvoir. They are the only military medivac unit in the MDW. He gives an explanation of the company’s structure and operations. On 9/11 he was the operations officer, though on disability at the time. He reported and had an aircraft in the air within one hour. He was unable to fly because of his wound. Has insight into the operation of the unit with AAR information. They have poor supply. He has been aware that this unit is under utilized and unconnected to the MDW contingency plans. Was hopeful after 9/11 that things would change, but as time goes by he is becoming more pessimistic.

Provided valuable information on the Casualty Operations Center of the U.S. Army and various family assistance issues following the attack on the Pentagon.

Abstract: LTC Sally provided valuable information on the Casualty Operations Center of the U.S. Army and various family assistance issues following the attack on the Pentagon. She also spoke about the many problems associated with the difference between civilian casualties vs. military casualties and how they had to treat them differently (e.g., SGLI vs. civilian life insurance, and they payoff checks/time delivered, etc…). She related some very emotional information about the smell of dead bodies in the attack area and the fact that she personally knew many of the victims. This was difficult to interview and to document with the emotions, however, the interview was very good on the lessons learned. Interview was conducted 17 April 2002.

1SG John Cahill is the 1SG of the 121 Medical Co with the DC Army Air National Guard on Davison Army Airfield, VA. Their unit was tasked to assist at the Pentagon after the attack. More specifically, 1SG Cahill was directly in charge of the administration of the National Guard unit during the time of crisis.

Abstract: 1SG John Cahill was the senior administrator of personnel with the 121 Medical Co. An Army Air National Guard unit stationed at Davison Army Airfield in northern Virginia. Although he was not directly involved with the operation at the Pentagon, he was instrumental in organizing the pilots and support staff that were called upon to assist. He was also the key administrator when it came to locking down and securing their section of the airfield. An EOC was set up immediately after word was received that an aircraft struck the Pentagon and he was also a member of the staff. He also holds a full time AGR position at the unit and this facilitated the moves that were requested. In the end, the biggest trial was getting everyone paid who responded to the attack. At the time of the interview those issues were already taken care of.

The unit’s key mission is to support the upper echelon of the Army National Guard, which was what they focused on when not transporting medical supplies to and fro the Pentagon.

CW5 Chuck O’Connell is the Operations Officer for the 121st Medical Company, DC ARNG. He was a Vietnam Veteran with many years service flying helicopters. On 9/11 he was working logistical issues for the support of the pilots being sent to the Pentagon for the operation there.

Abstract: CW5 Chuck O’Connell is the Operations Officer for the 121st Medical Company in the DC ARNG. The missions of the unit usually consist of transporting key National Guard VIPs around. Sometimes they are sent TDY to fill in at other major installations when their assets are deployed overseas. CW5 O’Connell is the person in charge of scheduling for these missions as well as making sure everyone is getting their flight time in. He also is tasked with flying missions.

On 9/11, the 121st was called upon to go to the Pentagon to assist in the transportation of the wounded. They were the second helicopter on the scene shortly after the attack. The most seriously wounded were already taken to the hospital via ground transportation, so they ended up shuttling supplies and medics to and fro. After the first day they were put on a rotational schedule of operations that CW5 oversaw. Several days later they stood down.

SFC Brian Haupt is the maintenance chief for the 121st Medical Company, DC ARNG. He oversees the maintenance preformed on the helicopters in the unit. He is a prior US Marine that joined the DC National Guard to work with helicopters. He was not directly involved with the events that followed the attack on 9/11.

Abstracts: SFC Brian Haupt is the Maintenance Chief for the 121st Medical Company for the DC ARNG. He was not directly involved with the recovery efforts that followed the attack on the Pentagon. Being the section chief he manly concentrated on scheduling the maintenance for the helicopters and prioritizing the work orders for his mechanics. He was not very enthusiastic about being interviewed and little substance was accumulated.

Michael Fixx has been with WGL 34 years. In DEC 2000 took over role of Crisis Management and Security. Spoke to the higher threat to the national capital region. Saw plane in odd flight pattern and thought in terms of distress. Heard the boom of the explosion and assumed in the absence of guidance the role of leadership with the activation of the Emergency Operation Center. Quickly identified by their command center where people were and staged a team to the site. Problems that were identified were the need for better commo, to have the military aware of their role in the region and how to deal with mail in a NBC threat environment.

Richard Cook spoke from 32 years of industry experience. WGL has an EOC that was opened that day at 1000. He was out on business and called back in. WGL has three lines that service the Pentagon (power plant/daycare/general), so WGL had to dispatch a response team to the site to assess the situation. Communications were difficult with cell phones, the primary method of communication. WGL plans to move more to microwave radios to better be able to deal with next crisis of this magnitude. WGL found its internal communications were jammed. FBI and soldiers understood WGL’s role and escorted workers into valve areas outside the impact site. Set up command post there for 72 hours. WGL has upgraded its response teams to include NBC. WGL believes it needs more tied in as it services all the MDW bases, already tied in with FEMA and other state and District agencies.

Abstract: CPT Penn describes the operations of the Arlington County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from 11 to 25 September and its role in coordinating and filling requests from the Arlington County Fire Department Incident Commander at the Pentagon to fight the fires and recover bodies. (blurb ends) He was driving to work when he saw smoke rising from the Pentagon. He had the EOC open and operating within 15 minutes after his arrival. He gives a list of the country offices that manned the EOC. After the County Manager declared the Pentagon as a disaster, he started seeking help up the pre-established chain to the State of Virginia and then to FEMA. He states that the new personnel at the Pentagon’s DiLorenzo Tri-care Clinic did not know of the medical support available from Arlington County that had been coordinated by their predecessors. He also discusses the support received from various federal agencies. He said that the 1st order to evacuate the Pentagon due to a “second plane” coming in was ordered by the FBI and was in response to the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. He praised the professionalism of the Old Guard soldiers who moved the bodies from inside the Pentagon to the temporary morgue. The two main challenges were security of the site because it was a crime scene and protection of the fire and rescue personnel from further terrorist attack.

Abstract: David Snyder and Mike Vajda are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. David Snyder is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civilian Personnel Policy located in the Pentagon, while Mike Vajda is the Director for the NE Operations Center. Mr. Snyder requested that Mr Vajda participate in the interview. Mr. Snyder describes the end of the fiscal year and how there was a hiring freeze on at the time before 9/11. They were preparing to go to a meeting on the morning of 9/11. David was leaving the Pentagon and Mike was in route. Mike returned to his office at Aberdeen while David returned to the office and began a process of pulling the files of those injures or killed there. They organized the files and folders and developed a personnel system. He got information from CMOC (Casualty and Memorial affairs Operations Center) of the civilian and military causalities in the verification process feeding information to them and receiving info for their process. This info was used to help establish the survivor benefits and entitlements.

They also set up a New York Operations center at Ft Hamilton for the WTC and federal building in the event there may have been federal employees injured there. A Bob Maze was in the bathroom near ground zero.

As an AAR, they are considering establishing a DNA policy for civilians. This is in review because of the difficulty in tracking civilians.

Abstract: John Molino is the Director of the Defense Military Community for Family Policy, Social Services for the OSD, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. He is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about his role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They’re responsible for child care, casualty affairs and other items. He was on a trip to the Pacific on 9/11 and was grounded in Guam. Meg Falk got poermission of Dr Chu to set up PFAC at the Sheraton. It was open for business at 0530 on 9/12. He established communications thru Dr. Chu and Mr Able.

It took till 9/18 to return where he went to DFAS. He depended on General Von Alstein to keep in place at the DFAS. He played a Laizze’ Faire role and played the devil’s advocate there. He discussed some of the policy issues about the length of the operation at DFAC. After General Von Alstein came BG Jim Spivey, reserve chaplin for the second phase. CPT Steve O‘Brian coordinated the memorial. A web site had been set up WWW.unitedinmemory.? but the site has been limited to families. It closed at the end of the 2nd phase. I gave up to date information about entitlements etc. After 9/11 seven children were born to survivors or spouses. He said that the personnel from never had a chance to grieve themselves.

Burke, Jane ; Hays, Dori are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Ms Burke is the Principle Director of the OSD Force Management Policy. Dori Hays is a program analyst who works with Ms Burke. In this interview MS Burke reviews her DOD career and the events thru the summer of 2001 leading up to 9/11. At that time she was working on the social impact with families for the QDR. She says that the Army philosophy of the force includes a triangle of the Army, serviceman and the family.

On 9/11 she was in a meeting in the E-ring area with other deputies. They were evacuated from there at the time of the attack. Burke did not return to the office. It took her four hours to get home. They did an accountability search of the office personnel. She said the Acting Assistant Gail McGinn worked with Dr Chu to set up the PFAC since it had affected the joint services. Cathy Stokie also assisted in setting it up and they worked in conjunction with American Airlines. As a result of the attack and the success of the PFAC, she desires to institutionalize the FAC. She also wanted to recognize the donations from the various companies and organizations.

Chief Kelley describes the duties and responsibilities of the Arlington County Fire Department Incident Commander who was in charge of the scene. He explains the operations of the incident command post at the Pentagon and the decision to relocate it there from the Joint Operations Center at Ft. Myer. (blurb ends) He was assigned as the daytime incident commander when the Joint Operations Center was established at Ft. Myer on 12 September. On the 13th the incident commander was moved to the Pentagon and Chief James H. Schwartz (NEIT-725) assumed the duties. Chief White was then assigned at the nighttime incident commander. He provides a detailed account of how the two commanders worked together to plan the search and rescue effort and insure that the next shift would have the personnel and material required. He discusses the working relationship with the FBI and the MDW during the crisis and how each provided a dedicated decision maker to the command post. The fire department turned command of the scene over to the FBI on 18 September and withdrew completely when the FBI relinquished control of the Pentagon crime scene to the Department of Defense. He praised the soldiers of the 3d Infantry for their hard work assisting the civilian fire and rescue personnel.

Asst. Chief Kelley describes his duties as the Night Incident Commander at the Pentagon from 11 to 21 September when control of the scene was turned over to the FBI. He provides in depth information about the command and control structure of the fire department as the first responder in coordinating all fire and rescue efforts at the Pentagon. He drove back to Arlington from Redstone Arsenal after he heard about the Pentagon. He describes the organization of the Emergency Command Post that was established at the Ft. Myer Community Center to coordinate all the agencies responding to the Pentagon. A key coordination issue was the appointment of a single POC/decision maker for both the FBI and the Army (COL Hepmansky) for the Incident Commander to work with. He explains the duties of the day and night Incident Commanders, and how they conducted end of shift rotation. He also talks about the emergency rescue teams that came from several states to assist in the recovery of bodies.

Mr. Glen Heffel is the Property Book Officer for DCS. He had the monumental task of trying to locate not only the destroyed office equipment from the Pentagon, but also all the equipment that was relocated in the days following the attack.

Abstract: Mr. Glen Heffel is the Property Book Officer for DCS. He is responsible for tracking all of the furniture and office equipment for all the offices

SFC Llanos is the IT NCOIC for the Army Review Board Agency. He is a 74B who was called in from leave to help get the Network back on line.

Abstract: A 17 year Army Veteran who specializes in information technology at the Army Review Board Agency. Although he works at building Crystal City Mall #4 in Crystal City, VA, he was called upon to assist getting the network back on line after the terrorist attack took out a large portion of the sever at the Pentagon.

There was also call to reconfigure the net when an influx of additional personnel was brought into his working area from destroyed or damaged areas from the Pentagon. They also had piggy back operators with other users that are not actually in his command, but because of their remote location was better served by the Review Boards server. There were also other offices that temporarily piggybacked off of the net until those offices could more permanently relocate. Although there were many different challenges to his office, they were able to accommodate all the users within a couple of weeks and get back to a more “normal” atmosphere.

Provided valuable information on the attack on the Pentagon including the loss of several co-workers out of his office.

Abstract: COL Urbauer provided valuable information on the attack on the Pentagon including the loss of several co-workers out of his office. He also spoke about the need for more instructions on how to use the overhead fire doors since they were closed and people had trouble getting out around them. Interview was conducted 22 April 2002.

Served as commander, Company B, 3rd U.S. Infantry, tasked with supervising his unit during the recovery and security operations at the Pentagon site following the initial emergency response.

Abstract: CPT Jose C. Aymat served as commander, Company B, 3rd U.S. Infantry, and was tasked with supervising his unit during the recovery and security operations at the Pentagon site following the initial emergency response. CPT Aymat’s unit conducted a three-phase mission: 1) site security, 2) removal of debris and remains, and 3) security of evidence on the South Parking area of the Pentagon. CPT Aymat talks about integration of civilian agencies into military training of the future in preparation for similar contingencies. He also speaks of issues with command and control structure working with such agencies and the need to train together to alleviate problems. Interview was conducted 22 April 2002 at the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

NEIT – 737: 1SG Robert Pittman, HHC, 3d Inf, 04/16/02 (Strand), AA

The 1SGT for HHC 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard, 1SGT Pittman secured his area and provided transportation for Old Guard soldiers to the Pentagon.

Abstract: 1st SGT Robert Pittman- Robert Pittman is the First Sergeant for HHC 3rd Infantry The Old Guard. On 9-11 he established a security force that entailed guards being posted at all entrances as well as on the inside of the Headquarters building. 1SGT Pittman also performed an immediate accountability action of his 236 soldiers. HHC transportation department provided vehicles for the movement of two Old Guard companies to deploy to the Pentagon for guard duty and to form a light labor force. On 9-14th 1SGT Pittman set up a command and control center at the Pentagon.

A Company Commander from the 12 Aviation Battalion stationed at Davison Army Airfield, VA, CPT Hering concentrated his efforts on 9/11 by tracking and organizing his rotary wing to face any operational concerns.

Abstract: CPT Nathan was the commander of A company during the 9/11th attacks. Most of his company was at the rifle range on Fort Lee trying to get qualified on their individual weapons. He himself was not scheduled to go to the range until later in the day. As he was flying, he heard that the trade centers were struck and was told to continue to perform his present mission. As soon as the Pentagon was struck, however, they immediately began to return to the airfield in participation of being recalled to perform any number of contingency operations. As soon as he landed he began to organize the company for 24 hour rotational duty so that any operations that they would be called upon would be efficiently performed. It was several days later before he felt confident enough to actually begin his own rotational cycle. They had no major mission during that time other than shuttling supplies and a few VIP’s around.

COL Tony Demasi, Assistant Deputy for Reserve Affairs, Office for the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, he gave oversight for the Assistant Secretary of the Army on force development. Upon the attack COL Demasi moved to the Army National Guard Readiness Center to help set up their EOC and an office for Army Assistant Secretary Brown there. They were there about one week.

As a result of the order to mobilize reserves he subsequently gave advice to various parties and was involved with issues relating to the IRR, stop loss policy, mobilization authorization, and partial mobilization. There’s some good information on the overall decisions into mobilization, but he refers to LTC Joseph Kulbok as being the subject matter expert.

Provided valuable information on the response of the family assistance given to family members of victims following the attack on the Pentagon.

Abstract: MAJ Doherty served as Chief, Air Force Family Matters following the initial emergency response operations at the Pentagon and worked directly with the families at the Family Assistance Center set up at the Sheraton near the Navy Annex on Columbia Pike Blvd. His office oversees the policy and programs for Air Force Family Programs with some of his people being clinical social workers, and all of them have the skills and experience of working in the family support center arena. They have trained for dealing with crisis and crisis action type programs and follow on with the standing of the Pentagon Family Assistance Center. This event earmarked the “first” time a joint multiservice family assistance center was stood up to provide support for this type of situation. His staff of 4 people worked not only with the families, but they also managed 1200 volunteers at different times/shifts and took in nearly 20,000 stuffed bears from various donations from the public along with food and clothing items as well. Interview was conducted 23 April 2002.

A Personnel Management Specialist with the Army G-1 discusses the benefits side of the Civilian Personnel Office and how they responded to the September 11th tragedy.

Ms. Sherry Smith, a Personnel Management Specialist with the Army G-1 is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th Military History detachment concerning the 11 Sep attack on the Pentagon. Discusses the operation and scope of her office. She had a number of benefit counselors at a conference and was plan to fly to Kansas herself that day. Main focus after the attack was on providing assistance to the Pentagon Family Assistance Center. Discusses the efforts made to streamline the benefits procedures to help injured civilians and victim’s families collect entitlements.

NEIT – 742: Mr. Noah Brockman, DAMO-SSD, 04/26/02 (Dover) #2 T

Abstract: – Mr. Brockman provided valuable information on the reactions of the OSD Office following the attack on the Pentagon. He witnessed a fireball blast through his office and destroy a desk where he normally would have been sitting, but was leaving for a meeting at the time of the attack and crash/explosion of the plane. This was a good interview from an eyewitness point-of-view and of the impact results and devastation. Interview was conducted 26 April 2002.

Abstract: Mr. Brockman worked as an Arms Control Policy Analyst with OSD and DoD and secured personal belongs and classified materials before departing the office area following the explosion from the aircraft impact. He witnessed the fireball as it moved through the office he had worked. He made mention of the fact that if he had not attended a meeting he was required to attend that he would have been killed since his desk and work area were destroyed. Interview was conducted 26 April 2002.

Mr. Barger is the Chief, Benefits and Entitlements at the Office of the Deputy Secretary of the Army (Civilian Personnel Policy). His major function is to oversee the benefits and entitlements for all Army civilian personnel worldwide.

Abstract: On hearing of the attack on the Pentagon, Mr. Barger sent all of the non-key personnel home and then began to organize a small task force to help with the survivor beneficiaries from the attack. The most immediate concern was to account for all of the approximately 225,000 civilians that work for the Army worldwide. This was the most daunting task since they do not directly report to any one agency. The next hurtle to face was the fact that some of the employees have not updated their beneficiary cards for years. In some cases they were divorced and remarried many years prior. Although this did not effect the payout that it has caused some lawsuits to decide whom the actual beneficiary is. This does not affect the Benefits and Entitlements office. It has, although, changed the policy to get the cards updated more regularly. 48 claims were processed through his office. A memo came from DOD via the Department of the Army to expedite all claims for all those who could to directly assist his office. This greatly relieved some of the burdens that could be expected. As a result an unprecedented norm has come about for federal interagency cooperation. Since the attack happened right at the Pentagon instead of somewhere else this also helped with interagency communications. When a change in policy was needed all of the key personnel were nearly co-located and could quickly come to a decision in a very short time where otherwise a more standard and slower means of communication would have been used. This made the entire effort nearly flawless in the support of the victim’s survivors.

Another problem was the massive amount of workmen’s compensation claims that were out and ones that are still pending. This is an ongoing effort on the part of this office to make sure everyone is covered to the best ability under the present legislative conditions. Many of the victims were so badly injured that they will not be able to return to work. Overall the operation was deemed a success and many meaningful changes have come about as a result.

First Sergeant Bridges is in charge of Aviation Operations at Headquarters Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, at Davison Airfield. His duties include the integration and training of new soldiers, administrative responsibilities, logistics, the arms room, and the S-3 Shop.

On September 11th 1SG Bridges was working on a briefing for commanders staff call when he saw the news about the trade centers on the news. Shortly thereafter the Pentagon was hit and the airfield and the companies went to threatcon delta. 1SG Bridges made sure that all gates went to lockdown and secured the airfield, put the armor on standby just in case of weapons draw, and activated the Quick Reaction Force. This interview is a good account of the responsibilities of a First Sergeant in time of crisis.

Abstracts: Brenman, Ken; Martin, Shawn, Fairfax County Police officers, are paramedics serving on the Fairfax County Police Helicopter Unit. Both officers were off-duty on 9/11 but quickly reported to work. Since both Fairfax County helicopters were already in the air they formed a third team using a civilian helicopter owned by the Ramsey family. This was to be used as a patrol unit over the county in the event it was needed. They responded to a burglary call, but then were called to the Pentagon. They relieved another Fairfax helicopter crew there who then flew the civilian aircraft back. While at the Pentagon they helped do a video feed thru the County’s “Go-Box”. This is an aerial video feed via microwaves from the helicopter surveillance camera to a ground monitor. They fed a live 15-minute video of an overhead view of the Pentagon at the request of the FBI and FEMA so they could view the extent of damage. At the end of the day they returned to base but did not perform any medivac missions.

Abstract: Brenman, Ken; Martin, Shawn, Fairfax County Police officers, are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD. Brenman and Martin are paramedics serving on the Fairfax County Police Helicopter Unit. Both officers were off-duty on 9/11 but quickly reported to work. Since both Fairfax County helicopters were already in the air they formed a third team using a civilian helicopter owned by the Ramsey family. This was to be used as a patrol unit over the county in the event it was needed. They responded to a burglary call, but then were called to the Pentagon. They relieved another Fairfax helicopter crew there who then flew the civilian aircraft back. While at the Pentagon they helped do a video feed thru the County’s “Go-Box”. This is an aerial video feed via microwaves from the helicopter surveillance camera to a ground monitor. They fed a live 15-minute video of an overhead view of the Pentagon at the request of the FBI and FEMA so they could view the extent of damage. At the end of the day they returned to base but did not perform any medivac missions.

Abstract: Fairfax County Police Pilot Mike Mountjoy and civilian pilot Dan Bittner are interviewed by SFC Lapic of the 305th MHD. Officer Mountjoy flew the first Fairfax County helicopter, aircraft #2, to the Pentagon from the Fairfax County Police Unit at 1052. No one at the Washington National Airport control tower would respond for request for clearance. They left anyway but while in route, they were intercepted by an F16. Upon arrival aircraft from Med-First and an area hospital were already on the ground. Aircraft #`1 piloted by Mr. Bittner, a retired Army pilot, was next to respond. They landed half way into their flight at a soccer field when they were unable to get clearance from Washington National tower. He comments on tape that the National tower was not functional. While on the ground they were then told by National to get clearance from “Condor”, the DC Police command helicopter circling the Pentagon. Pilot Dan Bittner was at the Pentagon two days. One mission was to fly FAA officials along the last mile of the attack aircraft flight path. Thinks he did a second surveillance flight over the damaged Penatgon. Dan also tells about the video flight requested by the FAA and FBI. They have no copy of this tape. Pilot Mike Mountjoy says he was tasked to do a photo mission. Fireman Scott Boatwright took aerial digital photos of the Pentagon for the FBI. SFC Lapic acquired these photos on disc. In a final comment from the pilots they agreed that there was poor communications that day. This interview gives good perspective of early flights to the Pentagon.

Bittner, Dan; Mountjoy, Mike. Fairfax County Police Pilot Mike Mountjoy and civilian pilot Dan Bittner are interviewed by SFC Lapic of the 305th MHD. Officer Mountjoy flew the first Fairfax County helicopter, aircraft #2, to the Pentagon from the Fairfax County Police Unit at 1052. No one at the Washington National Airport control tower would respond for request for clearance. They left anyway but while in route, they were intercepted by an F16. Upon arrival aircraft from Med-First and an area hospital were already on the ground. Aircraft #`1 piloted by Mr. Bittner, a retired Army pilot, was next to respond. They landed half way into their flight at a soccer field when they were unable to get clearance from Washington National tower. He comments on tape that the National tower was not functional. While on the ground they were then told by National to get clearance from “Condor”, the DC Police command helicopter circling the Pentagon. Pilot Dan Bittner was at the Pentagon two days. One mission was to fly FAA officials along the last mile of the attack aircraft flight path. Thinks he did a second surveillance flight over the damaged Penatgon. Dan also tells about the video flight requested by the FAA and FBI. They have no copy of this tape. Pilot Mike Mountjoy says he was tasked to do a photo mission. Fireman Scott Boatwright took aerial digital photos of the Pentagon for the FBI. SFC Lapic acquired these photos on disc. In a final comment from the pilots they agreed that there was poor communications that day. This interview gives good perspective of early flights to the Pentagon.

Chief of Administrative and Logistical Support for the Army Review Board discusses circumstances concerning the 11 Sep attack.

Abstract: Chief Warrant Officer Klaus Schumann, Chief of Administrative and Logistical Support for the Army Review Board, discussed the scope of his organization, which includes Army Board of Corrections, Parole Review Boards, and Discharge Review Boards. Talked about how he learned of the World Trade Center and the reaction of his office. The overall mission of this office changed little after the attack, but they did have emergency operations plans as a Field Operating Unit of the Secretary of Defense. Discussed how they did assist with finding working space from personnel in Manpower who lost their office space at the Pentagon. Talked about how hard the personnel community was hit, losing some key leadership in the attack. He had an opportunity to be an escort for family members. Discussed how impressive the government response to family members was. Overall, this interview was of very little value.

COL James Gant; LTC Stanley Heath; SGM Ron Simon are interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about their role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. They are from the PERSCOM DCSOPS. COL Gant is the commander, LTC Heath is the PAO and Ronald Simon is the SGM. Col Gant insisted on a three-person interview. Col Gant discusses 9/11 and the activities of their office leading up to the impact. He got in contact with the AOC, General Anderson and COL Burns. They activated an Action Crisis Center, released non-essential personnel, but staffed-up with casualty affairs and PAO personnel. At 1400 on 9/11 they were asked to accept the task of determining accountability for the personnel from the Pentagon. They brain-stormed to determine how to accomplish the mission. Since the Army web page was down, the utilized the PERSCOM page (www.perscom.army.mil) and an 800#. It was publicized to get Army staff to see it and call in as the one POC for accountability. SGM Simon was responsible for setting up the phone bank. He discussed the personnel, equipment and installation along with scripts and spreadsheets and data collected. With the accountability phone calls they had to learn to deal with non-accountability phone calls and how to track and refer them. Their information was sent to casualty affairs. They talk about setting up the G-1. The accountability phone bank became an information hot-line after 7 days. (The process was developed into an SOP) The accoutabliity issue was discussed prior to 9/11. Even then it was decided that DCSOPS of PERSCOM would handle this. Talks about having the survivor’s families come to the unfinished AMC theater at Hofmann II to be addressed by counselors and Mrs. Maude.

Abstract: On leave at time of attack. Tells of the subsequent reconstitution of ODCSPER at the Hoffman Building. Describes in detail his role and activities in planning and executing the return of ODCSPER to the Pentagon.

NEIT – 755: MAJ Denise H. Corley, DAPE-ZXS, 04/19/02 (Rossow) T/R

Abstract: At Fort Jackson, SC, at the AG School at time of attack. She was a close family friend of LTG and Mrs. Maude. Describes return to Washington and family support matters within ODCSPER following attack.

NEIT – 756: Debra Billington, ASA-M&RA-IMO, 04/22/02 (Rossow) T/R

Abstract: In M&RA Conference Room (1E516) at time of attack, just outside of impact area. Describes evacuation. She goes on to discuss the subsequent reconstitution of ODCSPER and its integration with OASA(M&RA) and return to the Pentagon.

Abstract: On leave at time of attack. Contacted shortly thereafter and served as the Acting DCSPER until BG(P) LaCoste, the ADCSPER, returned from Fort Leavenworth. Also discusses her activities with the ODCSPER Victims' Family Support Group.

Abstract: At Fort Leavenworth, KS, at time of attack with a team of five. Describes their return to the Pentagon and subsequent activities as a general's aide during the reconstitution and return of ODCSPER to the Pentagon.

Abstract: At Fort Lee, VA, in Motor Stables at time of attack. Good overview. Tells of 54th's alert and move to the Pentagon on the night of 11 September 2001. Describes their activities in the recovery efforts and return to Fort Lee following their relief by the 311th Quartermaster Company at the end of September.

Abstract: At Fort Lee, VA, at time of attack. Squad Leader. Tells of move to the Pentagon. Worked on recovery teams that entered the impact area to recover remains once they were cleared by FBI. Interesting description of interior of building while removing remains.

Abstract: At Fort Lee, VA, in Motor Stables at time of attack. He did duty at the airfield at Fort Belvoir, VA, transferring remains onto CH-47 helicopters to remove them to the Dover Port Mortuary. Discusses interesting aspects of chain of custody of remains.

ABSTRACT: Sheriff Elizabeth (Beth) F Arthur is interviewed by SFC Dennis Lapic of the 305th MHD about her role in response to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Mrs. Arthur is the Sheriff of Arlington County. As of 9/11 she had completed one year as Sheriff. Initially appointed, the elected to the office. Her staff consists of 270 personnel, of which 220 are Deputies. There are 2 motorcyclemen and two bicycle officers in addition to a K-9 office. This sheriff office’s primary duties are to operate the county detention facility, courthouse security, serve court papers, and transfer prisoners. Secondary duties include law enforcement, but usually because of proximity to the scene or if the police are unable to respond. They also assist the police in events, funeral details and athletic events such as the Marine Corp marathon. On 9/11 the Sheriff had reported about 0840. She was notified the Pentagon was hit and looked out the window and saw the smoke. Two of her deputies immediately responded. Deputy Charles young and Deputy Arthur Castellano were directly involved in rescue effort. The Sheriff immediately locked down the detention facility. She met with three judges and decided to close the court house believing that defendants wouldn’t get a fair trial and for the safety of all. She asked essential personnel to remain, but had to have the Public Information Officer start a call tree to recall people who had fled. The county ICC (Incident Command Center) was fully functional in 25 minutes. She had her own because of the diminished role that the county had assigned to the sheriff’s office. However, they became more and more involved and eventually closed their ICC and merged with the county’s. The Sheriff’s department was only to have been involved with escorting and providing food because of the large kitchen at the detention facility. All day she traveled between the two ICCs. At 1600 she was asked to provide 1000 meals for rescuers at the Pentagon (the Red Cross and Salvation Army were not set up yet), so by 1700 the meals were delivered. Their contractor at the detention center, ARAMark, Sam Habibi (an Iranian American) did yoman’s duty. Area manager Bob Lombardo and other mangement for ARAMark came in and helped out. They were the only ones to mass feed the first day. They even provided meals to the JOC at Ft Myer for several days because the contractor there refused to help till they were sure they’d get paid. ARAMark said they didn’t care and would worry about the meals later. As they close that night, they were asked to supply more meals and they did. Their new role evolved as a logistical one. They escorted supply vehicles, VIPs, doctors etc because it hadn’t been planned for. They did an AAR. Lessons learned, communicate more regionally and with field offices of FBI, ATF etc. They house federal prisoners and want more coordination of releasable public information.

Aide to the Sheriff and Deputy Chief of Arlington Sheriff’s Department discusses his response to the 11 September attack on the Pentagon.

Bob A. McFarland, Aide to the Sheriff and Deputy Chief of Arlington Sheriff’s Department is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th MHD, concerning the 11 September attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provides some background information on himself and discusses his duties as aide. Relates the scope and mission of the department as well as their role in disasters. Talked about how he heard about the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Their immediate response was to secure the court house against possible additional terrorist attack. Explains the operation of the County Emergency Operation Center and the participants of the center. He was called upon to coordinate the collection, staging and transporting of donated items in support of the mission. A good description of the actual Pentagon site was given by him. He was also used extensively to provide escort to various VIPs and visiting officials. Interesting story about keeping the explosive K9 dog’s feet cool on the asphalt. Talks about Comfort City (Camp Unity) and all of the services provided to the workers.

A deputy sheriff with the Arlington County Sheriffs Office relates his experiences as one of the first responders to the Pentagon attack site.

Deputy Sheriff Charles N. Young, Deputy Sheriff for the Arlington County Sheriffs Office is interviewed by MSG Donna Majors, 46th MHD, concerning the 11 September attack on the Pentagon. Interviewee provided some personal background information and his role in the department. Gives information on the size of the department and the scope of their operation and responsibility. Explains the Critical Incident Stress Debriefers (CISD)and their role in helping people deal with the tragedy. Gives a comprehensive account of his activities on 11 Sep and relates how he and another officer were on of the first on the scene. Very good account of how they pulled 5 people out through a window, some of which were severely injured. Relates how they taped off a path for victims to be removed to triage areas and of picking up airplane parts. Good personal reflection on his reactions afterwards and his family.

Ms. Sharon Witter is the US Air Force Family Support and Transition director for the Air Force Family Support Center at Bolling Air Base. Her office was located in the Pentagon close to the area of impact. Since she was dislocated the day of the attack she volunteered to be a PFAC escort and later became the supervisor.

Arlington County Police Officer (acting Deputy Chief of Police) provided valuable information about the Arlington County Police response to the events at the Pentagon.

Abstract: CPT Panther discussed the response of the Arlington County Police Department to the events at the Pentagon. CPT Panther also spoke about the surrealism off the scene and how they were dealing not only with the victims and their families, but they were also dealing with officers who didn’t want to leave the scene, causing some to become exhausted after the first 24 hours, causing other agencies to relieve them later due to fatigue. He was the initial incident commander at the Emergency Operations Center, and spoke of his interactions with the FBI, ATF, DPS, and other key law enforcement agencies as they assisted (shoulder-to-shoulder) in a sweep of the area for artifacts to be used as evidence. He also spoke about an incident that occurred during that night when some individuals were caught dressed in walking around the area dressed in black. They were detained and turned over to the FBI and they never heard the status of them after that. This was a very good interview that needs to be included in the writing of historical summations. Interview was conducted 28 May 2002.

Arlington County Police Officer provided valuable information about the Arlington County Police response to the events at the Pentagon.

Abstract: Abstract: CPT Alt discussed the response of the Arlington County Police to the events at the Pentagon. CPT Alt also spoke about the Emergency Operations Center set up at the scene away from the Pentagon due to the fact that other planes might be en route to the area for a follow-up attack. He also compliments the military for the way they ran the morgue and the concerns for the victims. This was a very good interview that needs to be included in the writing of historical summations. Interview was conducted 28 May 2002.

Arlington County Police Officer (9-1-1 Director of Communications) provided valuable information about the Arlington County Police response to the events at the Pentagon.

Abstract: CPT Hackney provided valuable information about the Arlington County Police response to the events at the Pentagon. CPT Hackney also spoke about the Emergency Operations Center and how communications played a big role in the success of the operation. She was also an incident commander at the Emergency Operations Center early into the mission. This was a very good interview that needs to be included in the writing of historical summations. Interview was conducted 28 May 2002.

COL Rota describes his escape from the Pentagon. He provides an in depth account of his role as the assistance officer for Mrs. Brian Birdwell during the 5 months that her husband was hospitalized with burns he received in the attack.

Abstract: COL Rota describes his escape from the Pentagon. He provides an in depth account of his role as the assistance officer for Mrs. Brian Birdwell during the 5 months that her husband was hospitalized with burns he received in the attack. He heard the order to evacuate the Pentagon and got his employees out of the building. He made a mental note of who was absent from work that day. He volunteered for the casualty evacuation team and carried two people from the courtyard triage center to the outside of the building. He was told to be the Survival Assistance Officer for LTC Brian Birdwell by his boss Ms. Janet A. Menig, because LTC Birdwell was not expected to live because of the burns over 65 percent of his body. LTC Birdwell lived and COL Rota became the “heavy hitter” for Mrs. Birdwell in taking care of any problems she had with the Army or the hospital where her husband was being treated. This interview needs to be read in conjunction with NEIT-623 (LTC Birdwell) & NEIT-624 (Mrs. Birdwell).

CPT Frambes served as a CAO for the spouse of one victim of the Pentagon attack (LTG Maude’s secretary). He provides extensive discussion of the CAO responsibilities, the process and set-up at the Pentagon Family Assistance Center, as well as details regarding early burials at Arlington National Cemetery and the 11 October memorial.

Mr. Wade Smith and Ed Ruppert are employees of MedStar, an air medivac company located at the Washington Hospital Center, DC. They discuss their role in receiving the burn victims at the hopital.

Abstract: Wade Smith is the Chief Flight Paramedic for MedStar. Ed Ruppert is the Director of Operations at MedStar. Wade Smith explains the process of receiving the burn victims. Because of the air restrictions only two patients were flown in. The remainder were driven in directly by ambulance at first, then transferred in from other hospitals later. He explains the preparation to receive mass casualties by clearing the hospital of elective patients and transferring out others, the preparation of the multiple emergency rooms, and pulling in extra staff. This hospital is the regional burn hospital. They didn’t receive the number they expected. He discusses the reception and dispostion of the patients. Ed Ruppert gives a more administrative viewpoint about half way into the interview. He explains the relationship of MedStar to the hospital. These gentlemen later emailed a power point presentation of the victims that they presented to some medical conferences. It gives details of the burns and the patient without revealing who it was, however their identitiy could probably be deduced from media publications and other evidence about the victims being circulated.

Mr. John Thornburn was on staff 9/11at the Washington Hospital Center when the Pentagon was hit. The smoke column could be seen from the hospital emergency room entrance. He gives great detail of the preparation of reading the emergency room to receive the expected patients. He gives the names of the light crew and medical staff on the helicopter. The expected patients didn’t arrive.

Mr. Chapman describes the attack on the Pentagon from his vantage point near where the airliner hit the building. He also describes the post-attack effort to rebuild the destroyed portion of the Pentagon.

Abstract: Mr. Chapman describes the attack on the Pentagon from his vantage point near where the airliner hit the building. He also describes the post-attack effort to rebuild the destroyed portion of the Pentagon. He was in a construction trailer just around the corner from where the plane impacted. He talks about his nervous breakdown and recovery from it. He also explains how the contracting and procurement process was expedited to rebuild the destroyed section of the Pentagon.

Abstract: Tammi Royce and Barbara Brown were first responders on 9/11 to the Pentagon. They tell about the training and operation of the trauma center, explain the activation of the disaster plan, the code levels and prep stages of the staff. During this time the telephones went down. The US Park Police medivac helicopter was the first on the scene. They were second. Their first medivac was Racquel Kelly (see her interview). They describe how they deployed near the flow of evacuating victims looking for people to treat in their triage. After their medivac flight they were on stand-by status at the hospital because of the flight restrictions. They describe the following days.

CPT Lammé gives an account of his escape and rescue efforts. He also details of damage control, analysis and restoration of the computer network at the Pentagon.

Abstract: CPT Lamm é has a diverse technical and tactical job history. He has 18 years as a 71M and quartermaster. He was chief of Casualty affairs for veterans honors program. On 9/11 he was in 1D1070. He said that the public address system announced twice to vacate the building. He grabbed a first aid kit and headed for the attack site. He reached the D ring in corridor 4. He gave first aid in the AE ring. He formed a team of 60 multi echelon soldiers (part of his team was MG Armstrong). They penetrated the hole in C ring wall attempting to rescue personnel. (SEE SGM Rose interview). They helped the rescuers (firemen) do errands. He gives a listing of those on his team at latter half of the interview. He relates taking action in the following days by taking teams of his office staff into the destroyed sections of the building recovering computer hardware. They then do an assessment of the damage to the data and communications network in the Pentagon. Included in the documents collected are color diagram of the degree and types of damage to the network and a first-hand account of his story.

LTC Wills provides a detailed account of her escape from the ODCSPER area of the Pentagon and subsequent hospitalization.

Abstract: LTC Wills provides a detailed account of her escape from the ODCSPER area of the Pentagon and subsequent hospitalization. She was in the ODCSPER conference room on the inner E ring when the plane hit the Pentagon. She describes the sudden darkness and being thrown to the floor on the opposite wall from where she was sitting. She led two other people out of the room and they crawled to the nearest door, which was blocked. She then crawled toward the windows on the C ring side of the office area. They knocked out a window and everyone escaped through it. Some people climbed down a human ladder formed by three men on the ground, while she and a couple of others jumped from the second floor window. She doesn’t remember anything more until she was in Arlington Hospital Center. She was burned on the back of her arms and legs and suffered from smoke inhalation. She tells about her treatment at Arlington and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She returned to work on 24 Sep.

CW3 McCormick was at Andrews Air Force Base at time of attack. Describes the activities at USAPAT Headquarters at the time of attack. Tells of flying the III Corps Commander back to Fort Hood, TX, that morning, leaving Andrews about 1130 hours, and returning later in day.

Sandy Hanish is a nurse from WRAMC assigned to Operation Solace. She provides a useful overview of the Operation from its initial establishment as well as a detailed account of how the members of Operation Solace have gone about their work.

MAJ Leavitt is a staff psychiatrist at WRAMC. He discusses early psychiatric support to Operation Noble Eagle (especially the employment of SMART teams). He then discusses the emergence of Operation Solace, emphasizing its ground-breaking nature (psychiatrists in the Pentagon) and the grassroots level of work, and offers a number of observations ranging from the resiliency of the Pentagon population to the long-term benefits of the operation.

NEIT – 788: LTC Kenny R. Cox, OCSA-TMO, 8/2/02 (Shirer) T

LTC Cox describes his rescuing personnel trapped in the ODCSPER area on the second floor of the Pentagon by forming a human ladder for the people to climb down to the ground.

Abstract: LTC Cox describes his rescuing personnel trapped in the ODCSPER area on the second floor of the Pentagon by forming a human ladder for the people to climb down to the ground. He evacuated his office in 1D711 when smoke entered it through the ventilation system. He was at the eight corridor exit when he got the though to go back into the building to help people. He made his way to the area between the B and C rings just below the ODCSPER area where he and two construction workers formed a human ladder to help the people down from the second floor. He then went to the third floor and searched for people but did not find anyone. He was searching the fifth floor when he was ordered out of the building by the fire department. He received the Soldier’s Medal for his rescue efforts. He was in the Kobar Towers in Saudi Arabia when it was bombed in 1995.

BG(P) Chesnut was on the escalator at A-ring, 3/4 Corridor junction, Pentagon, at time of attack. He narrowly missed being killed while in route to an office where others died. He tells of subsequent activities as Duty GO on the Crisis Action Team in the Army Operations Center.

NEIT - 790: Ms Nancy Doane, Army ODCSPER Wife, 6/21/02 (Williams) T

Ms. Nacy Doane was at home in DC area at time of attack. She tells of the organization of the ad hoc ODCSPER Victims' Family Support Group and subsequent activities aiding the families of those that died in the attack on the Pentagon.

COL McNair’s discussion focuses primarily on his activities relating to the reconstitution of ODCSPER and its subsequent return to the Pentagon, and, simultaneously, mobilizing the force for ONE/OEF. There is little discussion of his activities on 9/11 (Subject wrote detailed narrative of events on 9/11.).

They give an account of their escape from the PAO studio, assistance in helping evacuate a casualty and briefing duties with PAO.

Abstract: Theall and Mahnken are research analysts with the Army PAO, Executive Communications. They were located at 1D531 and 1D533 in September 01. Their job is to conduct media training for general officers. They were scheduled to have a media day at Carlisle 12 Sept. On 11 Sept, they describe the attack scene…walls collapsing etc. They escaped via the IMCEN and Army QDR offices (See QDR and IMCEN interviews). From there they went to the center court yard and the triage area. They helped evacuate Antonette Sherman to the Park Service medivac helicopter. They spotted Don Rumsfeld, briefed him. This has disrupted their office and they are having difficulty re-establishing operations there.

Abstract: MSG Michael Veregoni was the NCOIC of the MDW EOC remote command post on location at the Pentagon on 9/11. He gives the history and structure of his office. His normal duty was the NCO NBC advisor for MDW. He was home on 9/11, however, he called in to see if he could assist since he wouldn’t be able to gain access because of security restrictions that day. He was able to get the biohazard tyvek suits need at the Pentagon from Aberdeen. He reported to the Operations Van on 13 Sept. He is responsible for diagramming the location of the various units at the rescue site. They had a 3-man shift with Dan Pickens as TOC shift supervisor. He was there until the last recovery units (311 mortuary affairs) left the Pentagon…only the construction crews remained. He worked with the FBI to determine that chemical protection was needed. Other duties during that time were focused on the Anthrax scare. He was involved in testing at mail rooms in MDW. He has PCSed to Japan, but family still located in area.

NEIT – 799: Ms. Stacie Condrell, Pentagon Renovation Office, 9/18/02

90th MHD ONE Interviews

(Not all at CMH)

(Note: Trans = electronic copy held at CMH; interview transcript has not necessarily been edited).

LTC Candiano, a fulltime AGR officer, commanded the first battalion-sized unit in the military to deploy to ground zero following the attacks of September 11th, setting up a cordon around lower Manhattan on the night of Sept 11-12 in conjunction with companies B &C, 1st Battalion, 105th Infantry, NYARNG. Candiano describes how he learned of the attack, mobilized his unit, coordinated with higher headquarters and his sister battalions in 3d Bde, 42d Inf Div in NYC. He describes in vivid detail the sights and sounds of lower Manhattan the night of the attack and the emotional impact on his troops and himself. Issues of command and control during Aid to Civil Authorities missions, liaison and relationships with Police, Fire and Rescue personnel, arming and Rules of Engagement, supply, communications, morale, and the variety of missions performed in support of the rescue effort are all discussed.

LTC Costagliola is a fulltime AGR guardsman commanding an armor battalion with companies on Staten Island as well as in the Albany area. He describes the mobilization of his unit in response to the attack on the Twin Towers, communications difficulties with subordinates and higher HQs, the force protection efforts he took, and the assistance of local businesses in the immediate wake of the attack in donating supplies to aid his unit in its response. The 101 Cav pushed forward medics and generators to lower Manhattan on the afternoon of Sept 11, and deployed to lower Manhattan as a unit on the morning of Sept 12, with the upstate elements of the battalion arriving that afternoon. It maintained a cordon line around ground zero in conjunction with the 1-69th Infantry and performed numerous other missions in response to requests from civil authorities. A lengthy interview that covers many areas. LTC Costagliola gives pointed After Action Review type comments for future operations for State and military authorities – his criticisms regarding civilian insistence that his troops go unarmed at a time when nobody was sure if follow-on attacks would occur are particularly pointed.

LTC Coyne was attending a WarFigther seminar at Ft. Leavenworth, KS along with many members of the 42d Infantry Division staff on Sept. 11th. He describes returning to New York and being detailed to augment the staff of Aviation Brigade, 42nd Inf Div, as it stood up its headquarters in Battery Park on Saturday, Sept. 15. Describes coordination with subordinate units and liaison with civil authorities for the Aviation brigade Headquarters, as well as some supply issues.

LTC Slack, commander of the unit with the armory closest to ground zero in lower Manhattan, was interviewed on videotape early Monday morning just hours after his unit had been withdrawn from perimeter cordon duty around ground zero. Despite the lack of sleep and extensive stress he had been under, LTC Slack presents a gripping narrative of the events of September 11 and his battalion’s role in them. LTC Slack and his Executive Officer, MAJ Jose Obregon, were probably the first two senior military officers on the scene at the World Trade Center around noon on Sept 11. The 69th Infantry deployed to ground zero with the 101st Cavalry in relief of the 258th Field Artillery on the morning of Sept. 12. He discusses some of the heroic actions he saw on Sept 11, issues of coordination with his fellow battalion commanders, the presence of volunteers wearing military uniforms on the site, problems with communications, the nature of the missions assigned to his battalion, and issues of preparation for future attacks.

This is not an interview, but a tape recording of the address made by LTC Slack to his battalion as they were released from State Active Duty on the morning of September 17, 2001. LTC Slack summarizes and places in context for his troops the achievements of the battalion, expressing his deep pride in their work and his own reaction to the attacks. He urges them to be prepared for future deployments, at home or abroad, in this new war on terrorism, but in the meantime to decompress from the stress of the past week. Takes questions from the soldiers.

MAJ Chin, unlike most staff officers in the headquarters, 42nd Infantry Division, was not deployed to a Warfighter seminar at Ft. Leavenworth on Sept. 11, and therefore was able to quickly respond to the attacks. He joined up with his former unit, the 101 Cavalry on Staten Island, and – due to the absence of the S-3 and XO of that unit on September 11, served as a temporary staff officer for the 101 Cav until their arrival the following day. MAJ Chin then took on the job of liaison between the 101 Cavalry and both civil and military (NYARNG) authorities. His interview addresses how the liaison mission evolved, and many of the hurdles in communication and procedure that had to be overcome.

MAJ Durr lives near Albany, a considerable distance from the headquarters of his battalion on Staten Island. Three of the five companies of 1st Battalion, 101st Cavalry are located in the Hudson River valley, and MAJ Durr was the senior officer charged with marshalling them and bringing them down to New York City on the morning of September 12. He describes the difficulty in logistics and communication, and initially contradictory orders from higher headquarters, that surrounded this mission. He discusses some of the missions performed by the troops, their morale, public reaction to the Guard, and conditions at ground zero.

An extensive interview with the officer who probably had the broadest and clearest view of the integration of civil and military authorities on the ground in lower Manhattan in the week following September 11. MAJ Magnanini is a 42nd Inf. Division staff officer, but was not attending the divisions Warfigther seminar in Kansas on the morning of the attack. Rather, he witnessed the impact of the second airplane on the Twin Towers from his law office in Newark, New Jersey. Anticipating that 42d Division headquarters would want a liaison on the ground to its units in New York City, Magnanini grabbed his gear and rushed to lower Manhattan, integrated himself with the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. He remained in lower Manhattan, acting as liaison between the NYARNG units and Police and Fire officials. Magnanini discusses a host of issues including liaison and coordination, how missions were tasked out, problems in the chain of command for Military Support to Civil authorities, attitude of civil authorities towards the military, “freelancing” personnel in military uniform. Particularly valuable for establishing the timeline of Guard units deploying to lower Manhattan, when new units arrived and new command relationships were instituted, and for establishing which NYARNG personnel served in what roles during the first, chaotic days following the attack.

MAJ McGurty, who lives near Newburgh, New York, trekked by car, foot, and train in order to reach his battalion in New York City on the evening of September 11. He gives a general discussion of the state of his battalion and its deployment to lower Manhattan, and of the types of missions conducted there. Topics covered include prior civil disturbance training, arming of the unit and rules of engagement, coordination with other battalions, relations with civil authorities, and chain of command issues.

CPT Reilly, a police officer in civilian life, served as the “special projects” officer for LTC Costagliola, the commander of the 1-101 Cav, and thus had a wide variety of duties. He was one of the first officers to arrive at the battalion’s Staten Island armory following the attack, and helped establish security at the site. CPT Reilly performed numerous tasks - gathering equipment, collecting body bags from various hospitals around the city, transporting doctors, coordinating transportation for the battalion, clearing personnel from ground zero, liaison with civil authorities, etc. He makes observations regarding working at ground zero, how the Guard could be better prepared for events of this nature in the future, and public perception of the Guard in the wake of the attacks, among other topics.

CSM Cruzado, a 26 year veteran of Guard service and a full-time AGR soldier, was the NCO in charge of the 69th Regimental Armory as the building was taken over by New York City to serve as the family support center for all the families of victims of the attack on the World Trade Center. CSM Cruzado had to balance his battalion’s need to continue using the armory as a base of operations with the city’s efforts to rapidly create a single facility capable of dealing with thousands of traumatized citizens. Cruzado’s account covers the mobilization and deployment of the unit on Sept. 11-12, the interaction of 69th Infantry soldiers with the NYC Mayor’s office, the transformation of the armory into both a crisis center and a “shrine” to the victims of the attacks, and – most poignantly – the interaction between bereaved civilians and the weary soldiers of the battalion as they returned from ground zero each night. The successful dual-use of this historic armory showed how important these structures are to their communities, as the testimonial of NYC Commissioner Rosemarie O’Keefe to Cruzado relates.

First Sergeant Ranauro in his civilian capacity is a senior court officer for the New York State Court system worked a few blocks north of the World Trade Center. On the morning of September 11, he and his team of officers witnessed the impact of the first jet into the WTC and immediately responded with medical equipment to the scene, arriving shortly after the second jet struck. He and his officers assisted in the evacuation, and several of his men were killed while rescuing people from the basements of the WTC when the first tower collapsed. Ranauro himself fled into one of the surrounding buildings, and was knocked over by the blast, but otherwise unhurt. Returning home late that evening, he reported to the 101st Cavalry’s armory in Staten Island and deployed back to ground zero the next morning with his unit. He speaks extensively about troop morale, describing the frustration felt by many Guardsmen that they were deployed on cordon duty and not allowed to dig at ground zero, as well as the emotional toll his experiences have had on him.

SSG Andrysiak is a traditional guardsman who was responsible for establishing radio communications for his battalion amidst the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan. He describes the challenges he and his platoon faced in accomplishing this, then describes his role as coordinator of escorts for the thousands of civilians returning to their apartments in the days after the 9/11 attacks to retrieve pets and belongings. Talks extensively about how this mission was accomplished and the overwhelmingly positive reaction he and his soldiers got from the public for their work.

SGT King in his civilian job worked four blocks from the WTC. He donned his uniform, which he happened to have in his possession, and moved down to the WTC shortly after the attack and helped evacuate people. After doing this for several hours, various military personnel on the scene who were not part of any unit were asked to gather at Pier 40, where they were organized by a Navy officer and deployed later that evening to assist rescue workers. The following morning he joined his Guard unit as it deployed to lower Manhattan. 69th Infantry scouts were assigned to climb to the roofs of each building and mark any objects or body parts they found for collection by investigating authorities. They also were organized as a reaction force and performed many other duties, to include working the cordon mission and escort duty for civilians displaced from their apartments.

Specialist Torres was one of the first soldiers to report to his unit when he heard of the attacks on the WTC. Torres organized medical supplies in preparation for deployment, and then deployed to One Liberty Plaza with another medic the afternoon of September 11. They witnessed the collapse of the second tower, and gave medical assistance to numerous personnel. Remained at One Liberty Plaza for several days. Describes the chaotic nature of the medical triage in the immediate aftermath of the collapse of the Twin Towers.

Chaplain Goldstein is the senior chaplain in the New York Army National Guard, and the only Hasidic rabbi in the U.S. Army. He describes his personal experiences on 9/11, prior to arriving at the 7th Regiment armory where he coordinated the work of the 12 chaplains and their assistants who were mobilized. Discussed some of his own activities down at Ground Zero, to include a flag blessing and holding Rosh Hoshana services. Interview covered troop morale, cooperation and coordination with doctors to ensure the mental health of the deployed troops, the desire for revenge against the terrorists, coping with terrorism and the long-term impact these events may have on the soldiers,

All four chaplains had unique experiences supporting the troops. Father Kane relates his experiences as he traveled directly to ground zero and began ministering to the wounded immediately after the towers collapsed. Chaplain Ciampa ministered to the 1-105th Inf soldiers deployed at Ground Zero; Chaplain Holder ministered to soldiers as the transited through Camp Smith, the NYARNG training area near Peekskill that served as staging area for many units before they deployed to New York City. Rabbi Bazer serves as a Guard chaplain and an FBI chaplain. He initially went into Manhattan to counsel FBI agents before reporting to his unit, the 642 DASB in Brooklyn later on 9/11. All chaplains conducted a roving “ministry of presence” in support of soldiers. Topics addressed include Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), how they handled soldiers showing stress, potential long term emotional impact on the soldiers, the positive public reaction to the Guard, comparison to other Aid to Civil Authority missions they had worked, and coping with the desire for revenge, and other challenges they faced.